Israeli Government Conditions Ultra-Orthodox School Funding on Core Curriculum Compliance

The Israeli Attorney General, Gali Bahara-Miara, has ruled that full funding for ultra-Orthodox political education networks, specifically Agudat Yisrael's Hachshara network and Shas's Bnei Yosef network, will be contingent on their full compliance with the official core curriculum starting from the upcoming school year. This includes delivering the complete core studies as outlined in the state education program, employing qualified teaching staff, participating fully in independent assessment tests, cooperating with supervision and enforcement mechanisms, and fulfilling reporting obligations. These requirements will apply immediately in the current academic year.

This decision was made in response to a recent petition by the Hiddush Association for Freedom of Religion and Equality, which, unlike previous petitions, challenges the equal funding of these ultra-Orthodox networks compared to state education rather than seeking additional budget allocations. The state’s response highlighted significant gaps in the ultra-Orthodox institutions’ adherence to the mandated core curriculum and noted deficiencies in the ability to monitor and enforce these obligations effectively.

The ruling signals a shift toward stricter oversight and accountability for ultra-Orthodox educational institutions receiving public funds, emphasizing the need for standardized education content and quality assurance in line with official state education standards.