Government Must Require Core Curriculum Subjects in Ultra-Orthodox Schools, Legal Adviser Tells Court

Israel’s government legal adviser has told the Supreme Court that continued state funding for ultra-Orthodox Jewish schools’ foundational studies must be conditional on teaching a core curriculum of basic subjects. Gali Baharav-Miara submitted her response to the court on Friday, stating that ongoing public funding for these educational institutions depends on meeting fundamental obligations, including the teaching of core subjects as defined in the standard state education curriculum. The response addresses a long-standing dispute over what subjects must be taught in the ultra-Orthodox education system, which has historically emphasised religious study over mathematics, science, English and other secular subjects. The Supreme Court petition challenges the government’s ability to fund schools that do not meet basic educational standards required of all other schools in Israel. Ultra-Orthodox communities have traditionally resisted mandatory secular studies, arguing that religious education is their priority. However, the government’s legal adviser’s position suggests that accepting state funding comes with conditions regarding educational content and standards.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.