In a major boost for Chareidi education, the Knesset Finance Committee on Tuesday approved sweeping budget transfers totaling nearly NIS 250 million, with the funds designated for a wide range of educational and family support programs. The package includes long-awaited salary parity for Chareidi kindergarten teachers, transportation funding for major school networks, after-school program subsidies, assistance for at-risk youth, and expanded teacher training initiatives.

The broad funding package is designed to strengthen the Chareidi educational system at every level while addressing longstanding disparities in funding for schools, educators, and student support services. Many of the approved measures have been the subject of extensive debate in the Knesset over recent legislative sessions.

One of the most significant provisions provides, for the first time since the establishment of the State of Israel, full recognition of seniority for all Chareidi kindergarten teachers. Under the new funding, their salaries will fully reflect their years of professional experience, bringing them into line with the pay scale of kindergarten teachers in the general public education system and ending a decades-long disparity.

The approved budget also includes substantial funding for student transportation in the Chinuch Atzmai and Bnei Yosef school networks. Transportation has long presented financial and logistical challenges for both parents and school administrators, and the additional funding is expected to ensure safe and reliable transportation for thousands of students.

Additional allocations were approved to subsidize after-school programs in Chareidi schools operating under the exempt and recognized-but-unofficial educational frameworks. The funding is intended to expand access to these programs while reducing the financial burden on families.

Another portion of the budget will strengthen social and educational services, including programs supporting at-risk youth and students who have left the traditional educational framework. Funding was also approved for Jewish cultural programming and for expanding teacher training programs in Chareidi seminaries to help prepare the next generation of educators.

The budget initiative was led by Finance Committee Chairman and Degel HaTorah leader MK Moshe Gafni, who has long championed increased government support for Chareidi education in negotiations with the Finance Ministry and other government agencies.

Commenting on the approval, Gafni said, “Even during these challenging times, when the world of Torah and education is facing significant challenges, it is our duty to continue caring for the children of Israel and for the Chareidi educational system. The budgets approved today are important news for kindergarten teachers, male and female educators, students, and educational institutions, and they will help correct longstanding inequities and close funding gaps that have existed for years.

“I thank everyone who helped advance this initiative. With Hashem’s help, we will continue working tirelessly on behalf of the world of Torah and education, and we will not rest until the Chareidi educational system receives the full rights and resources it deserves.”

{Matzav.com}