Religious Education Forum Launches Campaign Against Budget Cuts

The Religious Education Forum has launched a new video campaign protesting proposed budget cuts to the state-religious education system, known as Hamad. The forum claims these cuts, stemming from High Court of Justice freezes and petitions against the system's funding methods, threaten to erase the core values and activities of religious education.

The campaign video depicts a person deleting folders on a computer, causing schools, soldiers, volunteer activities, laboratories, community centers, and public institutions to disappear from the screen, with the message "It must not happen." The forum argues that the issue goes beyond mere budget discrepancies, asserting that the unique elements of religious education, including religious studies, prayer, identity programs, and the system's dual religious and state nature, are at risk.

Forum officials stated that the campaign aims to illustrate that the perceived damage to Hamad is not solely financial. They believe the system has fostered generations of contribution, service, volunteering, and leadership within Religious Zionism and Israeli society. The forum warned that if this educational sector is harmed, it would impact one of Israel's central life achievements and a system that has built generations of dedication, responsibility, and patriotism.

The campaign comes amid High Court freezes on funds and petitions from left-wing organizations challenging the funding allocation for the religious education system. The forum insists that those targeting religious education are not seeking genuine equality and urges the public not to allow the erosion of this vital sector.