Christian Schools in Jerusalem Strike Over Teacher Permits

Christian schools across Jerusalem shut their doors on September 1, 2026, after Israeli authorities refused to renew entry permits for more than 70 teachers and staff members who live in the West Bank.

The General Secretariat of Christian Educational Institutions called the strike after discovering the permit denials just days before the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. School administrators said operating without those staff members would put campus safety and educational quality at risk. About 8,500 students were affected.

The permit crisis stems from a policy shift formalized in March 2026, based on legislation the Knesset Education Committee advanced in July 2025. The policy bars school directors in Jerusalem from hiring teachers who do not both live in the city and hold credentials recognized by Israeli authorities. Church leaders say the rule threatens the identity of the 15 Christian schools in Jerusalem, which educate both Christian and Muslim students.

Israeli authorities renewed the permits after the one-day strike, but the renewals varied widely. Some staff received permits valid for one week, others for one month, and a few through the end of the calendar year. None of the 70 affected individuals received permits covering the full academic year.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said the temporary renewals are not a solution. Church leadership is continuing to push for a permanent arrangement that would allow Palestinian educators to work in Jerusalem without facing annual permit uncertainty.

A similar crisis occurred in January 2026, when 171 permits were revoked. Those were reinstated after a week-long protest. Church officials say the recurring disruptions are unsustainable and are calling on Israeli authorities to establish a clear, long-term policy for West Bank staff working in Jerusalem's Christian schools.