Israeli Finance Committee Approves Nearly 250 Million Shekels for Haredi Education

The Israeli Finance Committee has approved budget transfers totaling approximately 250 million shekels to support the Haredi education system. This funding package includes increased budgets for Haredi kindergarten teachers, who will now be compensated according to their years of experience for the first time since Israel's establishment. Additional allocations cover student transportation for independent Haredi schools and the Bnei Yosef network, subsidies for after-school programs in exempt and unofficially recognized institutions, cultural Jewish activities, and support for at-risk youth. The budget also provides subsidies for teacher training in seminaries and other educational institutions.

Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah party and a member of the Knesset, emphasized the importance of continuing to support the Torah world and Haredi education despite current challenges. He described the approved budgets as a significant development for kindergarten teachers, educators, students, and educational institutions, helping to correct longstanding disparities. Gafni expressed gratitude to those who helped advance the initiative and pledged to persist in securing full rights and resources for the Haredi education system.

This approval marks a notable step in addressing funding inequalities within Israel's education sector, particularly for the Haredi community, and reflects ongoing political efforts to strengthen religious education frameworks.