Controversy Erupts Over New Religious School in Northern Israeli Town Atlit

A heated debate has emerged in Atlit, a town in the Hof HaCarmel Regional Council, over the establishment of a new state religious school intended for Haredi, religious, and traditional Jewish residents. The school is set to replace a Chabad-run religious school in nearby Kfar Sitrin that closed after the landowners reclaimed their property. The Hof HaCarmel Regional Council and the Ministry of Education decided to open the new school in Atlit, where there are currently no state religious schools despite a significant religious and traditional population.

Local opposition has been vocal, with some members of the Atlit local committee accusing the council head, Asaf Isaac, of "selling out" residents to religious groups. The dispute has attracted political actors, including Hadass Regulski, a Tel Aviv city council member from the Democratic Party, who joined the campaign against the school, framing it as a Haredi takeover of the town. This political involvement is linked to internal Democratic Party primaries, where candidates compete over their stance against religious communities.

Secular activist groups have also joined the opposition, including Ilai Hershgorin-Hendin from Kfar Saba, who is funding the campaign through the "Free" association. These groups oppose not only the school but also the establishment of mikvehs and synagogues in the area. Activists affiliated with Naor Narkis's organization have reportedly intimidated the council head, who is trying to address the educational needs of dozens of religious students.

Currently, about 158 children attend the former Chabad school, with projections of up to 180 students next year. Atlit has over 12,000 residents, many of whom are religious or traditional, and nearly 45% voted for coalition parties in the last Knesset elections. Local resident Chen Carmeli emphasized that the campaign is politically motivated and will not change the town's character. The Hof HaCarmel Regional Council confirmed the new state religious school will be established as planned.