Special Report by Milhilard.org

Private Christian schools in Jerusalem have suspended classes for three consecutive school days due to an ongoing crisis regarding the issuance of travel permits for teachers from the West Bank. This situation has disrupted the anticipated start of the second semester, leaving many students without instruction.

The General Secretariat of Christian Educational Institutions in Jerusalem has stated that the issue is not a “technical error” in permit processing, as suggested by some sources, but a deliberate political decision. The problem has persisted for over a week without resolution, necessitating urgent attention.

Professor Richard Zananiri, director of the St. George’s School, informed milhilard.org that the permits for approximately 171 teachers and staff members have been affected, resulting in the absence of nearly 30% of the teaching faculty in several schools. This significant reduction in staff has made it virtually impossible to resume classes effectively, with some classes lacking teachers entirely.

Zananiri emphasized the historical importance of Christian schools in Jerusalem, noting their educational, cultural, and national significance. He condemned the disruption of education, advocating for the fundamental right of students to attend school and learn.

The issue reflects broader pressures faced by schools in Jerusalem, including attempts to impose specific curricula and administrative restrictions alongside the challenges of obtaining teacher permits. Some permits have been issued with incomplete durations, while others have faced outright denial despite previous approvals.

Addressing concerns regarding hiring practices, Zananiri clarified that staffing decisions are made without discrimination between Jerusalem residents and West Bank individuals; rather, they are based on professional competence and experience. He affirmed that teachers from the West Bank are integral to the Palestinian educational framework alongside their peers in Jerusalem and Gaza.

Classes will remain suspended for the upcoming days, including Wednesday, due to the Eastern New Year holiday, as well as Thursday for the Isra and Mi’raj holiday. The resumption of classes is contingent upon the resolution of the permit crisis, ensuring that teachers can return to their posts without restrictions.

In response to the situation, the General Secretariat of Christian Schools has reached out to human rights organizations, international agencies, consulates, and embassies. A statement has been issued and translated into multiple languages, including Arabic, English, Italian, and Hebrew, to broaden its reach.

Zananiri clarified that the suspension of classes is not a voluntary strike but rather a necessary action dictated by the current circumstances. He urged parents to remain patient, emphasizing that their collective aim is to safeguard students’ rights to stable and equitable education free from arbitrary constraints on the learning process.

He concluded with a call to recognize the importance of education in Jerusalem, asserting that the return to classrooms hinges on restoring work permits and resuming normal educational operations without hindrance.