Residents of Atlit Protest Haredi Schools Moving Into Their Community
Residents of Atlit are intensifying their opposition to the relocation of two Haredi state-religious schools into their town, fearing it will alter the community's character. Last weekend, activists Naor Narkis, CEO of "Returning with Reason" Omer Nahmani, and Tel Aviv City Council member Hadas Regulski joined residents to support their cause. The residents filed a petition with the Haifa District Court against the Hof HaCarmel Regional Council and the Ministry of Education's decision to move the "Ohalei Yosef Hof HaCarmel" boys' school and "Beit Chana" girls' school from Kfar Sitrin to a residential neighborhood in Atlit, using a site currently designated for youth and music activities.
The petitioners argue the decision was made without proper planning procedures, harms public facilities and residents' quality of life, and was influenced by political pressure, possibly involving direct intervention by the Minister of Education. Attorney Hanan Reichman, representing the petitioners, claims the Ministry of Education supported the move without sufficiently examining alternatives or the impact on the community. The petitioners emphasize their opposition is not against Haredi students or education but against the location and its implications for Atlit's liberal public space.
Atlit, with about 12,000 residents and a growing population expected to reach 30,000, currently lacks sufficient educational infrastructure, including a high school, forcing many students to study outside the town. The schools in question have served the Hof HaCarmel area for years but were temporarily relocated to Kfar Sitrin. The regional council insists the decision was professional, based on educational and operational considerations, and that the youth and music activities will continue in alternative facilities.
Opponents fear the move is part of a broader trend of "creeping religious influence" in secular neighborhoods, citing the example of Arad. Activist Naor Narkis, running with the Democrats party, argues the relocation aims to attract religious families and change the neighborhood's character. Meanwhile, Chabad community leader Avital Zigman, a long-time Atlit resident and parent, rejects claims of coercion or extremism, stating the school serves a diverse population and seeks equal educational opportunities within Atlit.
The Haifa District Court is scheduled to hear the petitioners' request for an interim injunction next week. The regional council affirms it respects residents' right to protest but will continue to act responsibly for all students in the area.
