Palestinian churches urge action to save Jerusalem schools

The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine on Wednesday urged churches worldwide to take immediate action to prevent the collapse of Christian education in occupied East Jerusalem, saying Israeli authorities have barred numerous teachers and staff from the West Bank from reaching their schools.

Open-ended strike declared

In a statement issued from Ramallah, the committee said occupation authorities refused to issue or renew entry permits for several educators, effectively blocking them from their workplaces. The measures have forced Christian educational institutions to declare an open-ended strike, placing the 2026–2027 academic year at risk and preventing students from returning to their classrooms, it added. "Education is a right, not a privilege," the committee said, stressing that "Christian educational institutions are an integral part of Jerusalem's history and of the Church's mission and presence in the city."

Legislative restrictions target Palestinian degrees

The committee cited Israel's imposition of its curriculum on Palestinian schools and a Knesset law passed in January that bans the employment of teachers who earned degrees from institutions affiliated with the Palestinian Authority. At least 60 percent of the 6,700 teachers in East Jerusalem's Arab education system hold bachelor's degrees from Palestinian academic institutions, according to a previous report by the Haaretz newspaper. The policies undermine the identity of Jerusalem and contradict international law and UN resolutions affirming that East Jerusalem is occupied territory, the committee stated.

Appeal for international pressure

The body urged churches around the world "to use their standing and international relationships" to demand the issuance and renewal of permits for affected staff. It also called for sustained international pressure to halt what it described as ongoing violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention in the occupied territory. Israel has occupied East Jerusalem since 1967 and requires Palestinians from the West Bank to obtain special permits to enter the city for work or education, while Palestinians seek the eastern sector as the capital of their future state.