The Knesset’s State Control Committee, chaired by MK Mickey Levy, convened yesterday for the ninth time to discuss the enforcement of core curriculum studies in chareidi educational institutions, amid ongoing tensions between government oversight bodies and the chareidi school system.
The hearing was initiated by MK Moshe Kinley Tur-Paz, who opened with strong criticism: “The State of Israel transferred funds to the chareidi education system, yet a report submitted to the High Court reveals that core curriculum subjects were not taught. Specifically, 616 standardized hours were allocated to the Chinuch Atzmai network and not returned. A review showed that 9 out of 42 schools in the network did not teach the core subjects, despite receiving funding for them.”
According to MK Tur-Paz, representatives from the school network responded by saying, “It depends on the gedolei Yisrael — if they approve, we will make the correction.” He continued, “This implies that funds taken from the state for these studies will only be properly used if permitted by rabbinic authorities — irrespective of state funding guidelines.”
He added that while the chareidi education network submitted its portion of the report to the High Court this past Sunday, the legislative branch itself has yet to receive it. “In nine schools, it is explicitly written that any correction will be made only with the approval of the gedolim. In other words — we took the money, didn’t do what was required, and now say we’ll only comply if the rabbis agree,” Tur-Paz said.
MK Avraham Betzalel pushed back against the tone of the discussion. “There are people with no real connection or understanding of the chareidi education system who are using a professional discussion as an excuse to repeatedly bash the chareidi public,” he said. “Over the past 70 years, others far more sophisticated have tried to change the chareidi community — and failed. What we saw here today was a thorough and professional presentation from the chareidi education division.”
Despite repeated requests from the committee, the Ministry of Education has refused to transfer the full report detailing compliance with core curriculum standards in primary chareidi schools. Committee Chairman MK Mickey Levy condemned the ministry’s silence: “The failure to submit the report is a serious violation of the Knesset’s role and its oversight authority. If the report is not delivered within the coming week, I will file a petition with the High Court.”
In response to the concerns raised, the head of the chareidi education division within the Ministry of Education pledged a dramatic shift starting in the upcoming school year, including stricter enforcement and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with national education standards. He noted that institutions failing to uphold their commitments would face sanctions.
{Matzav.com Israel}