Palestinian churches urge international action to protect Christian schools in Jerusalem amid Israeli permit restrictions

Palestinian churches have urged global Christian communities to take urgent action to protect Christian schools in Jerusalem, citing Israeli restrictions that have forced an indefinite strike by educators. The Palestinian Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs issued a statement on Wednesday, highlighting that Israeli authorities have denied entry permits to teachers and staff from the West Bank, preventing them from reaching their workplaces.

The committee reported that these measures have led to the suspension of classes, putting the 2026–2027 academic year at risk. The statement emphasized that denying educators access to their schools violates the fundamental right to education for students. It also warned that these actions are part of a broader pattern of restrictions on Palestinian education in Jerusalem.

The committee criticized the imposition of an Israeli curriculum in Palestinian schools and a Knesset law from January 2026 that limits the employment of graduates from Palestinian higher education institutions. These policies, it said, threaten the cultural and religious identity of Jerusalem and contradict international law and United Nations resolutions.

The committee stressed that education is a right, not a privilege, and that Christian educational institutions have long been part of Jerusalem’s history. They have served both Christian and Muslim communities for generations, contributing to the city’s diverse heritage.

The committee called on the international community to support Palestinian educational institutions and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. It reiterated that East Jerusalem remains occupied territory under the Fourth Geneva Convention and that the rights of all residents, regardless of faith, must be protected.

The situation has drawn attention from Palestinian officials, who have also called for international intervention. The committee’s appeal reflects a growing concern over the impact of Israeli policies on the educational and cultural fabric of Jerusalem.

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