Controversy Erupts Over Haredi Schools Relocation to Atlit Neighborhood

Last week in Atlit, opponents of religious institutions rallied local residents against the relocation of two Chabad Haredi schools into their community. Residents filed a petition with the Haifa District Court challenging the Carmel Coast Regional Council and Ministry of Education's decision to move "Ohalei Yosef Hof HaCarmel" (boys) and "Beit Chana" (girls) from Kfar Sitrin on Highway 4 to a site currently used for youth activities and a music center. The petitioners claim the decision was made without proper planning procedures, harms public facilities and residents' quality of life, and was influenced by undue pressure. They also accuse the Ministry of Education of insufficiently considering alternatives or the impact on the town, and allege the process violated administrative law by denying residents a genuine chance to voice opposition.

The Regional Council responded that the decision was based solely on professional considerations after exploring alternatives in coordination with the Ministry of Education. The schools, official state-recognized Haredi institutions serving the Carmel Coast community for many years, had operated in Atlit for 19 years before temporarily relocating to Kfar Sitrin. The property owners there demanded the schools vacate, and a court ruling confirmed this. Consequently, the council and ministry had to find a new location. The council emphasized that youth and music activities in Atlit will continue uninterrupted, with the music center remaining in place and youth programs moving to new facilities costing about 2 million shekels.

Avital Zigman, chair of the Chabad parents' committee and Atlit resident for 19 years, rejected opponents' claims, stating the dispute is not about the youth or music centers. She accused activists of campaigning under slogans like "Atlit will not become Arad" and warning of "Haredization". Zigman stressed the schools serve a diverse population including traditional, religious, and secular families, aiming to provide quality education alongside core studies. She highlighted Chabad's longstanding presence in Atlit, openness to all, and refusal to impose lifestyles. She called for equal rights, noting that while most Atlit children attend local schools, the 150 students in religious education deserve the same opportunity within the town rather than being forced to study elsewhere.