Independent Education System (Israel)

The Independent Education System of Israel (Hebrew: החינוך העצמאי - which is translated "independent education", and could be transliterated as Khinukh Atsmai or Chinuch Atzmai) is an alternate school system run by, and serving the needs of, the Haredi Jewish (ultra-Orthodox Jewish) community of Israel.

It was established in 1953 by a decision of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah (Council of Torah Sages of Agudath Yisrael in Israel), and implemented through the State Education law.

Although parents are comforted by the fact that their children's school may reflect their basic worldview, this separation often results in little contact among the various segments of Israeli society.

The schools are partially supported by the State; however, the Ministry of Education is not responsible for the hiring and firing of teachers or for the registration of pupils.

[6] Due to sharp cuts in state funding over recent years, the movement has had to redouble its efforts in order to keep schools from closing.