JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The Knesset on Thursday approved in its second and third readings a bill sponsored by MK Limor Son Har-Melech, chairwoman of the Knesset Lobby for Charedi and Religious Women from the Otzma Yehudit party, allowing institutions of higher education to offer gender-separate academic programs for advanced degrees.

The law reverses the situation created by a High Court of Justice ruling that prevented universities from operating separate programs at the graduate level, returning the decision to the legislature and the academic institutions themselves. Under the new law, each institution will be able, at its own discretion and according to demand, to open separate study tracks for men and women, thereby expanding access to higher education for those who wish to combine academic studies with their religious beliefs and lifestyle.

Until now, this policy created a significant barrier for thousands of men and women seeking advanced academic degrees without compromising their way of life. In many professions, a master’s degree is a prerequisite for eligibility in civil service tenders, advancement within the public sector, management positions, and higher earning potential.

In practice, the inability to study in a framework consistent with their religious convictions prevented many people from pursuing senior positions, government appointments, and professional advancement. Supporters of the law say it removes this obstacle and enables individuals to advance based on their abilities while remaining faithful to their values.

MK Limor Son Har-Melech welcomed the legislation, saying: “Today, the Knesset declared clearly that genuine freedom of choice also includes the right to study in separate academic programs. For years, a single worldview was imposed on the public, preventing thousands of men and women from advancing academically without giving up their way of life.

“The harm extended far beyond education itself. When an advanced degree is a prerequisite for professional advancement, senior positions, and eligibility for government tenders, the result was the exclusion of an entire sector from positions of influence, leadership, and employment. A society that believes in equal opportunity cannot force people to choose between their careers and their faith.

“The law we passed today forces nothing on anyone. It expands freedom, promotes diversity, and respects the human mosaic of Israeli society. Anyone who truly believes in pluralism must also respect choices that differ from their own worldview.

“This is a victory for freedom of choice, justice, and for a public that for years was excluded from academia and professional opportunities in the name of a progressive ideology. In a Jewish and democratic state, there must be room for every citizen, including those who wish to pursue higher education while remaining true to their faith and values. I am proud to have led this important reform, which will enable thousands of students to fulfill their academic ambitions, advance in the workforce, and open doors that have long been closed to them.”

She also thanked National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Education Minister Yoav Kisch, MK Yosef Taieb, Education Committee Chairman MK Zvi Sukkot, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz, her staff, and others who helped advance the legislation.

Dr. Malkali Bloy Chanukah, director of the lobby, called the vote “a historic day and the correction of a long-standing injustice for thousands of Haredi and religious women.”

“The new law removes the barrier that prevented talented women from pursuing advanced degrees, opening the way to positions of influence and senior leadership. The notion that a woman had to choose between her professional aspirations and her commitment to Torah values was paternalistic. Today we restored genuine freedom of choice.”

Anat Gopstein, another director of the lobby, added:”The law’s approval is a victory for freedom of choice and for the dignity of women who seek to study while remaining faithful to their traditions and way of life. For years, alien worldviews prevented religious and charedi women from advancing academically simply because they wished to preserve their values. The lobby will continue working to ensure that every woman can reach the highest professional levels with pride in her identity.”