Palestinian churches urge international action to save Christian schools in Jerusalem as Israel restricts staff entry

Palestinian churches have called on the international community to take urgent action to protect Christian educational institutions in Jerusalem. The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine expressed concern over Israel’s refusal to issue or renew entry permits for teachers and staff from the West Bank, preventing them from accessing their schools and workplaces in the occupied territory.

The committee stated that these restrictions have led to an open-ended strike by Christian schools, jeopardizing the 2026–2027 academic year and disrupting students’ ability to attend classes. The measures are described as part of a broader effort to tighten control over Palestinian education in Jerusalem, including the imposition of an Israeli curriculum and new laws affecting the employment of graduates from Palestinian higher education institutions.

The committee warned that these policies undermine the identity of Jerusalem and contradict international law and UN resolutions, which recognize East Jerusalem as occupied territory under the Fourth Geneva Convention. It emphasized that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and that Christian schools play a vital role in the city’s history and the Church’s mission.

The committee urged global churches to leverage their influence and international connections to advocate for the issuance of permits for affected staff and to ensure the reopening of schools. It also called for continued support for educational and church institutions in Jerusalem and for international efforts to address ongoing Israeli actions that it claims violate international norms.

Israel requires Palestinians in the West Bank to obtain special permits to enter East Jerusalem for work, education, medical treatment, and worship. In January, the Knesset passed a law that prohibits the employment of teachers who graduated from institutions affiliated with the Palestinian Authority within Israel’s education system. This law disproportionately affects the Arab education system in East Jerusalem, where 6,700 teachers are employed, with at least 60% holding degrees from Palestinian academic institutions, according to a previous Haaretz report.

The occupation of East Jerusalem by Israel since 1967 remains a contentious issue, with the international community widely recognizing the territory as part of the West Bank. The situation highlights the complex challenges faced by educational institutions in the region, as they strive to maintain their mission and serve the diverse communities of Jerusalem.

Source: Read the original report