Israeli Government Allocates 39 Million Shekels to Recognize Seniority of Haredi Kindergarten Teachers

The Israeli government approved a special allocation of approximately 39 million shekels to improve the salaries of Haredi kindergarten teachers by officially recognizing their seniority for funding purposes. This decision came shortly after Moshe Gafni, chairman of the United Torah Judaism faction, issued an ultimatum to the coalition, stating he would not support the bill to split the Attorney General’s position unless his demands on various issues were met.

For the first time, the seniority of Haredi kindergarten teachers will be acknowledged in the budgeting process, aiming to assist kindergarten networks and reduce wage disparities compared to the general education system. However, this is only an initial step, as full funding has yet to be approved, and the government has committed to continuing efforts on this matter.

Gafni welcomed the decision, calling it a significant step toward equalizing the salaries of Haredi kindergarten teachers with their counterparts in the general education sector. He pledged to persist until full equality is achieved. The move is expected to ease conditions for thousands of Haredi kindergarten teachers and their networks after years of advocacy for seniority recognition in funding. Nonetheless, representatives within the Haredi education system emphasize that the struggle will continue until full and equitable funding is secured.