Only 400 Israeli Schools Participate in New National Bible Studies Test Amid Uncertainty

The Israeli Ministry of Education introduced a new national Bible studies test this year as part of the "Roots" program aimed at strengthening Bible and heritage education. Participation in the test was voluntary, and data shows a notably low turnout, with only around 400 schools administering the exam. This contrasts sharply with core subjects like language and science, where thousands of schools participate to provide a broad and reliable assessment.

Officials estimate that possibly only half of those 400 schools that downloaded the test actually gave it to students. The original plan was to make the Bible test mandatory next year, but due to this year's poor participation and the upcoming elections, the program's future now depends on the decisions of the next education minister.

The Ministry of Education stated that this year was a pilot phase with voluntary participation. Starting from the upcoming school year, the Bible studies test will be compulsory in all elementary schools, reflecting the education minister's goal to elevate Bible studies to the same status as other core subjects.