Tensions Rise in Beit Shemesh as Gafni Urges Shas to Open Schools for Sephardic Girls
Controversy erupts as MK Gafni urges Shas to open separate schools for Sephardic girls in Beit Shemesh, highlighting ongoing ethnic tensions in Israel's Haredi education system.
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United Torah Judaism (UTJ) MK Moshe Gafni sparked controversy this week with comments aimed at addressing overcrowding in Beit Shemesh’s Haredi schools. Speaking at the start of the academic year, Gafni called on Shas, the party representing Sephardic Haredim, to open additional schools so “your girls” would not have to “crowd into our institutions.”
The remarks highlight a longstanding tension between Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities within the Haredi education system. Critics have long alleged that Ashkenazi-run schools implement informal quotas that limit the number of Sephardic students, perpetuating inequities based on ethnic background.
“There is a problem with the high schools,” Gafni said during his address. “Why do we have to constantly crowd together and reach a situation where there is no room? Shas is a big party, it has capabilities, it also has an education system that can open schools where girls can go. Why do we have to constantly deal with these problems?”
Dozens of Sephardic girls in Beit Shemesh reportedly were unable to secure placements this year, prompting city officials to pressure Ashkenazi schools to accept more students, a move that led some rabbis to threaten to delay opening their institutions.
Shas responded to Gafni’s comments by emphasizing its long-standing commitment to establishing quality educational institutions for the Sephardic community.
“Gafni’s remarks underscore how important it is that the Shas movement remains strong and independent,” the party said, “and how much the Sephardic public cannot rely on any other party to take care of it.”
The dispute sheds light on the deep ethnic divides that persist within Israel’s Haredi educational landscape, with questions of access and representation remaining unresolved as the new school year begins.