All Christian Schools in Jerusalem Suspend Classes Over Teacher Permit Crisis

JERUSALEM: Christian schools across Jerusalem have announced the suspension of classes from Tuesday, Sept. 1, after Israel failed to renew entry permits for more than 70 teachers and staff members, preventing them from reaching their schools as the new academic year was due to begin.

In a statement, the schools said they were surprised by the “failure to renew entry permits for more than 70 teachers and employees” from their educational, administrative and support staff, describing the move as sudden and without prior warning. They said the absence of such a large number of employees would disrupt teaching, administration, health services, cleaning, security and safety preparations, making it impossible to guarantee a safe and stable start to the school year.

Following consultations with relevant parties, parents’ representatives and Jerusalem schools, the institutions decided to suspend classes until the necessary permits are reissued or renewed. They stressed their commitment to students’ right to education and warned that repeated restrictions undermine the stability of Christian schools and their ability to serve students and families.

Munther Isaac, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, also condemned the measure, saying Israel’s pressure on the Christian presence in Jerusalem was continuing. He said Christian schools were being forced to suspend classes because Israel had refused permits for teachers from the occupied West Bank.

Since October 2023, Israel has restricted entry permits for Palestinian workers from the occupied West Bank, including teachers, amid the war in Gaza. The schools called for the permit issue to be resolved quickly so teachers and staff can return and the academic year can proceed normally.