Jerusalem Christian Schools Suspend Classes After Permits for West Bank Staff Are Denied

All Christian schools in Jerusalem will suspend classes from Tuesday, 1 September 2026, after Israel did not renew entry permits for more than 70 teachers and staff from the occupied West Bank.

The decision came just as the new academic year was due to begin in Israel and Jerusalem. School leaders said the missing permits stopped key staff from reaching their workplaces and made it impossible to open schools in a safe and stable way.

Why the schools suspended classes

In a statement, the Christian schools said they had prepared to welcome students for the 2026-2027 school year. They were then surprised by the failure to renew permits for teachers, administrators and support workers.

The schools said they received no prior warning. The staff affected include people who teach lessons, manage school offices, provide health support, clean classrooms and help maintain security. Without them, school leaders said they could not run their campuses as planned.

A school timetable may look simple on paper. In practice, it depends on many people working together. If dozens of staff cannot cross a checkpoint or reach their school, even the first morning assembly can become a major problem.

The schools made the decision after talks with parents’ representatives, school officials and other concerned groups. Classes will remain suspended until the required permits are issued or renewed.

Schools warn of harm to students and families

Christian schools in Jerusalem said the permit issue affects more than staff members. It also affects students, parents and the wider education system.

Students may lose lessons, routine and access to support services. Parents may need to find childcare or change work plans. Schools also face pressure to protect learning time while dealing with rules that they cannot control.

The schools said repeated permit problems weaken their stability and make it harder for them to carry out their educational role. They called for the issue to be settled quickly so students and staff can return to school and the academic year can begin without more disruption.

Pastor condemns the decision

Munther Isaac, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, criticised the decision in a post on X. He said the move was part of continuing pressure on the Christian presence in Jerusalem.

Isaac also said Christian schools in the city were striking because Israel had refused permits for teachers from the West Bank. His comments reflect wider concern among Palestinian Christian leaders about access, movement and the future of Christian institutions in Jerusalem.

Permit restrictions have grown since 2023

Israel has restricted entry permits for Palestinian workers from the occupied West Bank since October 2023. The restrictions have affected many types of workers and have taken place during the war in Gaza.

Teachers who live in the West Bank often need permits to enter Jerusalem and reach their schools. When a permit expires or is not renewed, the teacher may be unable to work, even if the school still needs them.

This system places schools in a difficult position. They must plan lessons, staff schedules and student services while waiting for decisions on permits. A school can hire a qualified teacher, but that does not help if the teacher cannot cross into the city.

What the schools are asking for

The schools have asked for the permits to be renewed so staff can return to their jobs. They also want students to resume classes in a safe and orderly setting.

The suspension affects all Christian schools in Jerusalem and begins on the first day of the planned academic year. School leaders, parents and staff are now waiting for the permit issue to be resolved before they can set a new date for classes.

Until then, the start of the school year remains tied to a decision made outside the classroom, while families wait for clear information about when their children can return.