Israeli Government Recognizes Seniority-Based Funding for Ultra-Orthodox Kindergartens

The Israeli government has made a historic decision to officially recognize the need to fund ultra-Orthodox kindergarten networks according to the actual seniority of their teachers. This breakthrough follows a determined campaign led by the Agudat Yisrael kindergarten network management, headed by CEO Rabbi Israel Golomb, in collaboration with Knesset member Moshe Gafni. Although the current funding is partial, the government has committed to expanding it in the future.

For years, ultra-Orthodox kindergarten networks have paid their teachers salaries based on seniority, education, and rank, while state budgets failed to cover these real costs. This ongoing disparity threatened the financial viability of the kindergartens, jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of teachers and the start of the school year. The new government decision lays the foundation for fairer and more stable funding, benefiting teachers, network managers, parents, and thousands of children.

Rabbi Israel Golomb emphasized that the struggle is not over, stating, "The work is not yet complete, and we face a long fight until full funding is realized. However, we welcome the recognition of seniority and thank all involved, especially MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni." He also expressed gratitude to partners including Rabbi Yaakov Segal, CEO of the Etz Hadaat network, other institution managers, and accountant Avigail Shikovitzky for their dedication.

Earlier reports noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally intervened to advance the funding decision during a government meeting, overcoming objections from the Finance Ministry. Netanyahu spoke with Moshe Gafni before the vote and ensured the measure's approval. A source from the ultra-Orthodox parties credited Deputy Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office Drorit Steinmetz and Prime Minister's advisor Rivka Paluch for leading the approval process.

This partial funding marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to secure full and equitable state support for ultra-Orthodox kindergarten teachers, with further progress expected in the near future.