Around 2,500 protesters gathered in front of the office of the Prime Minister in Israel to demand stops to funding cuts for Christian schools.
School administrators in the country have accused Israel of reducing their funding as a way to pressure Christian schools into joining the public school system.
Christian schools argue that this move would risk the schools values and academic achievements, according to The Independent.
It is thought that the majority of Christians in Israel are of Arab descent and Arab MPs joined with students and school staff in demonstrating.
Christian schools says the amount they get is lower than Jewish schools.
There are around 47 Christian schools in the country, which have been on strike since the start of September.
Speaking to the BBC at the demonstration, Ibrahim Fakhouri, a parent from Nazareth, said he believed Christian schools were being targeted: "As citizens of this country, we are law obeying citizens, and we deserve equal rights."
The Education Ministry said that "Christian schools are funded in an equal manner as other recognized but unofficial schools in the State of Israel," according to the Jerusalem Post.
It is also being reported that meetings are taking place with representatives from each side.
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us
Article by Hannah Tooley
Hannah Tooley is a multimedia journalist for Premier.