Student Fined for Open Button in Ultra-Orthodox School

A student at an ultra-Orthodox institution in Tiberias, identified as belonging to the Karlin Hasidic community, was fined 20 shekels for an open button on her clothing, an act deemed a violation of the school's modesty code. The Ministry of Education responded strongly, calling the incident "serious" and stating it "should not have happened."

According to the Ministry, the fine was issued based on an old document distributed by a staff member without the school administration's knowledge or approval. Following the incident, procedures for staff were reinforced, and supervision will ensure it does not recur. The school itself has not yet issued an official response.

This is not the first time disciplinary fines in educational institutions have come under scrutiny. A 2024 report detailed a case where an ultra-Orthodox seminary charged students 25 shekels for lateness and absences, and 30 shekels for requesting a makeup exam. The seminary claimed the funds covered staff costs for work related to the infractions.

In that prior instance, the Ministry of Education's director for the ultra-Orthodox sector determined the charges were "improper and illegal." The seminary was informed, and the practice ceased. Generally, Israel's compulsory education law mandates free tuition, with specific exceptions for certain parental payments, but disciplinary fines are not among the permitted charges.