Published 1 Sep, 2026 04:23
ARCHIVAL PHOTO: The French Bible and Archaeological School of St. Stephen (École Bibliique) in Jerusalem. © Getty Images / Godong/Universal Images Group
Christian schools in Jerusalem were forced to postpone the start of the fresh school year without delay, as the Israeli authorities did not extend entry permits for more than 70 teachers and workers surviving on the occupied West Bank.
Palestinians with identity papers issued by West Bank authorities usually request Israeli permits to cross checkpoints and get to East Jerusalem.
However, the Israeli authorities did not extend permits for more than 70 teachers and employees – this happened ‘suddenly and without prior notice’, As reported in the Monday press release, the General Secretariat of Christian Educational Institutions in Jerusalem.
"Consequently... it was decided to suspend fixed classes at schools in Jerusalem, starting on Tuesday morning, September 1, 2026, until the essential permits for teachers and staff were renewed and renewed" said the Secretariat.
School representatives have ensured that they care about protecting the right of students to education, but the current situation ‘fails to guarantee a safe and unchangeable start’ school year.
This dispute is reflected in wider concerns about the treatment of Palestinians and Christians in Israel and the occupied territories.
Early in August, U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen demanded the resignation of U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, accusing him of not protecting American citizens and interests and criticizing his reaction to the expanding force in the West Bank, including attacks against Palestinian Christian communities.
There have besides been respective high-profile anti-Christian incidents involving Israeli soldiers.
In April, an IDF soldier (Sil of defence Israel) was filmed breaking the figure of Jesus with a hammer in the Lebanese city of Dibil while another soldier photographed the incident;
During this time, Israeli forces occupied the surrounding area. The incidental sparked an global scandal and led to a military investigation.
Both soldiers were removed from combat service and sentenced to 30 days of military detention.
Christian churches, clergy, and nuns in Jerusalem besides face harassment.
In early August, six spiritual Jews (including 5 minors) were arrested after spitting at the entrance to the monastery of St. James in the Armenian territory of the city, hitting them and throwing stones at the wall surrounding the object.
This was only a fewer months after 1 Israeli violently attacked a French nun on Mount Zion, causing her a head injury.
Members of the Russian Church Mission in the Holy City reported to the RT station that they besides fell victim to attacks;
In 1 case, the nuns were thrown with stones.
"It wasn't just a throw to scare a man – it was a blow aimed at a severe blow" said Elizaveta's sister from the Mission.
According to the spiritual Freedom Data Center (RFDC), a Jewish-Israeli organization monitoring the situation in this area, the number of reports concerning the harassment of Christians increased more than twice in the second 4th of 2026, most of which were spit attacks.
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://www.rt.com/news/644942-jerusal-Christian-schools-close/
