The Dovrat Report on the education system in the State of
Israel released on Sunday, which recommended sweeping reforms
and major changes such as a five-day school week, does not
apply to chareidi institutions.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made remarks to this effect as
well during a government meeting to discuss the report's main
conclusions. "Since there is no representation for the
chareidi sector at the Cabinet table, I will represent this
sector," said Sharon. "The issue of education in the chareidi
sector will have to be done in full coordination with the
rabbonim and only thus will it be possible to reach
achievements in this area."
According to Degel HaTorah Chairman MK Rabbi Avrohom Ravitz,
at the meeting between Sharon and United Torah Jewry two
weeks ago various problems were discussed with the Prime
Minister, including the Core Curriculum Program and the
imposition of programs on the chareidi sector without
consulting with chareidi rabbonim and representatives.
"In his closing remarks Sharon said he understands that in
matters affecting chareidi education changes should not be
made without including the rabbonim and without seeking their
consent. And indeed, based on his remarks in the government
in connection with the Dovrat Report, he articulated this.
The improvements that will be made in the general education
system are not appropriate for the chareidi education system,
and all issues that arise will be brought to gedolei
Yisroel shlita for final decisions, for they alone
determine and guide the system," said Rabbi Ravitz.
Degel HaTorah General Secretary MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni said,
"The secular education system is in a state of general
collapse. It is on the lowest level both in domestic and
international assessments. The heads of the education system
are looking high and low for solutions to save this system.
They are incapable of genuinely searching for the [root of
the] problems, which is imparting values to the student so
that he comes to school with meaningful values. They look for
technical solutions that may be important in themselves.
"It goes without saying that the report does not solve the
real problem of education in Israel from every possible
perspective. Chareidi education stands out in this respect,
for in all of the assessments made, including the
international assessments and surveys, it had very high
achievement levels."
