DayofPal— Over 200 Palestinian teachers face unemployment as Israel enforces a new policy barring them from working in Jerusalem’s Christian schools.
The Israeli Ministry of Education instructed school principals that, starting this September, only teachers residing in the city with Israeli-issued qualifications may be hired.
Christian teachers from the West Bank holding work permits or green cards will no longer be allowed to teach, affecting nearly 230 staff across 15 schools.
The General Secretariat of Christian Schools (GSCS) warned that the move threatens the future of Christian education in the city and could disrupt classrooms, with an estimated 15 teachers lost per school.
The decision follows a 2025 Knesset bill restricting the recognition of West Bank degrees and comes after 171 teachers were denied authorizations at the start of the school year, sparking a week-long strike.
Many affected teachers have long-standing careers in these schools, and job loss could force some to emigrate.
The GSCS and the local Church are engaging with legal organizations, the Holy See, and international partners to urge Israel to reverse the decision.
They also call on the global community to raise awareness, provide financial support, and pray for the teachers and Christian presence in the Holy Land.
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