Jerusalem Christian schools strike over teacher permit crisis

JERUSALEM’S Christian schools suspended classes yesterday (1st September) after Israeli authorities failed to renew entry permits for staff from the West Bank – disrupting the new academic year for more than 8,500 students.

Speaking to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Brother Daoud Kassabry, headmaster of Collège des Frères in Jerusalem, warned that the failure to provide permits for more than 70 teachers and support staff from the West Bank threatened students’ education.

He said: “The start of the school term should be a moment of joy, reunions and hope.

“For Christian schools in Jerusalem, the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year is unfortunately marked by a new crisis.”

Brother Daoud stressed that without staff from the West Bank schools could not operate.

He said: “For us, a teacher cannot be replaced overnight. They bring expertise, experience, an understanding of the students, and a relationship of trust with families.”

Brother Daoud added that the problem affects not only schools but also families struggling amid ongoing economic difficulties caused by conflict in the region.

He said: “Behind every non-renewed permit, there is a person, a family, and a livelihood threatened.”

The General Secretariat of Christian Educational Institutions in Jerusalem announced on Monday (31st August) that it would be suspending all activities after entry permits were either not issued – or in some cases suspended just 10 days before the new term was due to begin.

But the strike was called off after just one day as some permits were renewed, although many staff only received temporary ones.

According to George Akroush, development director of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, a number of permits were extended for periods ranging from one week to the end of the calendar year.

Mr Akroush said: “Church authorities will continue to apply pressure to the authorities concerning these teachers and are hopeful that the full permits will be issued soon, perhaps after Christmas.”

School leaders – including Brother Daoud – called for the situation to be resolved so similar disruptions could be avoided in the future.

Brother Daoud said: “We call on the relevant authorities, Church leaders, and international partners to support a swift and lasting solution.

“The children of Jerusalem need stability, confidence, and an open future.”

The latest strike follows concerns earlier this year. In March, Christian school leaders warned that proposed restrictions on teachers holding West Bank qualifications could affect hundreds of staff and threaten Christian education in the city.

ACN helped the Collège des Frères with a new wheelchair-accessible elevator, enabling students with mobility difficulties to participate more fully in school life.

Jerusalem’s Christian colleges also educate students of other faiths.

With thanks to Brother Daoud Kassabry and Christophe Lafontaine