Breaking Update
Israeli High Court Hears Challenge to Funding of Haredi Schools Not Teaching Core Subjects
Israel's High Court of Justice hears petitions challenging state funding for Haredi schools failing to teach core subjects. The case seeks budget adjustments.
Jerusalem, 5 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s High Court of Justice is scheduled to hear petitions on Monday challenging state funding for Haredi (Orthodox Jewish) school networks that allegedly fail to meet mandatory core curriculum requirements.
The petitions, filed by the Hiddush Religious Freedom and Equality organization, argue that budgets for two fully state-funded networks should reflect the actual number of hours devoted to subjects such as mathematics, English, and science. The case cites findings by the State Comptroller and legal opinions from government bodies indicating that the Independent Education network and the Bnei Yosef–Maayan Torah Education network are not in compliance with required teaching hours.
Hiddush is asking the court to order budget adjustments, ensure reliable reporting of instruction hours, and require participation in external testing.
