Christian Schools in Jerusalem Suspend Classes After Israel Denies Entry Permits for Teachers

Christian schools in Jerusalem suspended classes beginning September 1, 2026, after Israeli authorities failed to renew entry permits for more than 70 teachers and staff members from the West Bank.

The closures affected more than 8,500 students enrolled in schools operated by various Christian denominations in the city. School administrators said they had no choice but to shut down after being unable to staff classrooms.

Church leaders condemned the permit denials as an attack on Christian education in the Holy Land. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and other church bodies issued statements calling on Israeli authorities to immediately restore the permits and allow teachers to return to work.

The affected schools include institutions run by Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran organizations that have operated in Jerusalem for generations. Many of the schools serve both Christian and Muslim students from Palestinian families.

Israeli officials did not publicly explain the reason for the permit denials. Palestinian education advocates said the move was part of a broader pattern of restricting Palestinian movement in and around Jerusalem.

Parents expressed frustration and concern about the disruption to their children's education at the start of the school year. Some families said they had no alternative schooling options available.

International Christian organizations, including the World Council of Churches, called on Israel to resolve the situation quickly. They said the permit denials threatened the continued presence of Christian institutions in Jerusalem, which have served the community for more than a century.

Negotiations between church leaders and Israeli authorities were ongoing as of late September 2026, with no resolution announced.