The Chinuch Atzmai system is facing a severe busing crisis
following the Finance Ministry's decision to cut
transportation funding immediately. Bus companies have
stopped providing services for students at over 120 locations
around the country.
Chinuch Atzmai offices in Jerusalem were flooded with
hundreds of calls from irate principals and frustrated
parents who pointed out the spiritual dangers the children
are exposed to without appropriate study frameworks,
demanding drastic measures be taken to resume bus service,
which costs NIS 40 million ($8.5 million) annually to
operate. Principals warn without bus service many students,
especially in suburban areas and remote locations, are liable
to drop out of the Chinuch Atzmai system.
"We are at a loss [to find a solution] and helpless in the
face of the new situation following the Finance Ministry's
announcement, which came despite your concerted efforts in
the matter, and we are turning to you as public envoys in a
last-minute cry for help," wrote Chinuch Atzmai heads in a
letter to UTJ MKs.
Deputy Minister MK Rabbi Avrohom Ravitz, who is serving as
chairman of UTJ's Central Election Staff, said the ongoing
maltreatment of chareidi education by government ministries
must stop and is proof of the obligation placed on each and
every individual to promote the UTJ list. He pledged to do
all in his power to alter the decision.
UTJ Staff Organization Chairman MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni said
government officials are taking advantage of the election
campaign to lash out against thousands of Chinuch Atzmai
students and their parents. "We will not allow the government
to continue actions against chareidi education and we will
wage battle with all our might to continue busing as usual,"
he said.
Following an emergency meeting Chinuch Atzmai heads Rabbi
Avrohom Yosef Lazerson and Rabbi Meir Luria reported UTJ
representatives are making concerted efforts to resolve the
crisis.
