Gaza: All Christian schools in Jerusalem announced on Monday that they would suspend classes on September 1 in protest over Israel's refusal to renew entry permits for over 70 teachers and staff from the West Bank, affecting over 8,500 students. 'As our schools prepare for the opening of the new 2026-2027 academic year, we were unfortunately surprised, once again, by the non-renewal of entry permits for more than 70 teachers and employees from our educational, administrative, and support staff. This occurred suddenly and without prior notice, preventing them from reaching their schools and directly affecting the schools' readiness for the opening of the academic year,' the General Secretariat for Christian Educational Institutions in Jerusalem said in a press statement.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the absence of this large number of staff members affects various aspects of school operations, including educational, administrative, and health services, in addition to cleaning services and security and safety procedures. This makes it impossible to guarantee a safe and stable start for students. The decision to suspend classes was made following consultation and coordination with relevant authorities, representatives of parents, and Jerusalem schools. It will remain in effect until the necessary permits for teachers and staff are reissued and renewed.
The General Secretariat reaffirmed the Christian schools' full commitment to their students' right to education, emphasizing the importance of the educational mission carried by such schools, which constitutes an essential part of their identity, culture, and presence in the city of Jerusalem. They expressed concerns that the recurrence of such measures undermines the stability of schools, hinders their ability to fulfill their mission, and negatively affects students, their families, educational staff, and society as a whole.
The General Secretariat expressed hope for a swift resolution to the crisis, urging that such measures cease and not recur in the future. They emphasized the need to preserve the stability of educational institutions, guarantee students' right to regular and safe education, and enable schools to continue their educational and humanitarian mission.