Jerusalem School Protest Over Lack of Permanent Building After 22 Years
Students and parents of the Tehila Ulpana in Jerusalem protested outside City Hall on Monday, demanding a solution to the school's ongoing building crisis. The school, which has been operating for 22 years and serves approximately 160 students from grades 7-12, currently rents a cramped office space that is unsuitable for an educational institution. The annual rent amounts to nearly one million shekels, a significant financial burden placed largely on the parents.
Despite the school's long history, proven achievements, and multiple awards for differential funding, it has never had a permanent, appropriate building. Parents expressed a growing sense of deprivation and discrimination, noting that other institutions with similar profiles have received permanent buildings or rent subsidies, while Tehila Ulpana has not.
Parents have made numerous attempts over the years to secure a permanent building or rent assistance from the Jerusalem Municipality, with the involvement of former deputy mayor Chagit Moshe and other officials, but no practical solution has been reached. They question why their school is consistently overlooked compared to others.
A senior city official approached the protesters during the demonstration, offering to schedule a meeting. However, representatives stated that previous meetings and visits to the school had already occurred, and the official was aware of the difficult conditions. They emphasized that they are no longer seeking observation but a concrete solution.
The parents are demanding two immediate actions from the municipality: a permanent and suitable building for the Ulpana, and substantial rent assistance until a permanent solution is found. They warned that if a real solution is not forthcoming soon, they are considering escalating their protests, even to the point of holding classes in City Hall Square.
The Jerusalem Municipality had not yet responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
