Israel Mandates Tefillin Prayer in Schools and Expands Gender Segregation in Academia

The Israeli Ministry of Education has issued a new directive requiring public schools to allow students to put on tefillin, a Jewish prayer ritual. School principals must designate a "respectful place" for this practice during breaks, ensuring students who wish to participate can do so without disrupting lessons. The policy aims to reduce conflicts that previously arose due to unclear guidelines. Education Minister Yoav Kisch emphasized that tefillin prayer is a fundamental tradition and national pride, stating the directive provides clear rules to support students' religious expression.

Simultaneously, the Knesset Education Committee approved expanding gender segregation in higher education institutions. The new legislation permits separation not only in classrooms but also in public spaces such as libraries, laboratories, and cafeterias. This move overturns a prior Supreme Court ruling that banned gender-segregated studies in advanced degrees. The bill now awaits final approval in the Knesset plenum.

The committee vote sparked heated reactions, including shouts of "shame" directed at coalition members. Lawmaker Limor Son Har-Melech, who sponsored the bill, argued it restores freedom of choice and religious liberty in academia, countering what she described as a radical progressive agenda imposed by the Supreme Court. Conversely, opposition MK Adi Azuz condemned the law as a deliberate attack on women's rights, calling it a stain on Israel's legal system. Hagit Pe'er, chair of the women's organization Na'amat, warned the legislation marks a shift toward a "dark halachic state" and urged Israelis to boycott institutions enforcing the law if enacted.

The Ministry of Education stated the tefillin directive followed extensive professional consultation and numerous field requests, aiming to provide school leaders with a clear framework to prevent unnecessary disputes. The responsibility for bringing tefillin and managing class attendance remains with the students to maintain learning continuity. The ministry encourages dialogue among educators, parents, and student councils to preserve school community cohesion.