All Christian Schools in Jerusalem Suspend Classes Over Teacher Permit Crisis

Christian schools across Jerusalem have suspended classes after more than 70 teachers and staff members were left without renewed Israeli entry permits as the new academic year was due to begin.

The schools said the affected employees included educational, administrative and support staff. Their absence, they warned, would disrupt teaching, administration, health services, cleaning, security and safety preparations. The institutions said they could not guarantee a safe and stable start to the school year under those conditions.

In a statement, the schools described the failure to renew the permits as sudden and unexpected. After consultations with relevant parties, parents’ representatives and Jerusalem schools, they decided to halt classes from Tuesday, Sept. 1, until the permits are reissued or renewed.

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failure to renew entry permits for more than 70 teachers and employees

The schools said they remained committed to students’ right to education but warned that repeated restrictions were undermining the stability of Christian schools and their ability to serve students and families. Munther Isaac, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, condemned the measure and said Christian schools were being forced to suspend classes because permits for teachers from the occupied West Bank had been refused.

Israel has restricted entry permits for Palestinian workers from the occupied West Bank, including teachers, since October 2023 amid the war in Gaza. The schools called for a quick resolution so staff could return and the academic year could proceed normally.

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Christian schools were being forced to suspend classes because Israel had refused permits for teachers from the occupied West Bank.