Officials in Deputy Education Minister Meir Porush’s office are concerned that some of the children from newly-arrived immigrants from France will not receive a torani education but they will be placed in non-religious schools by state officials.

It is reported that there are many rabbonim who are concerned with the future of the children of the new arrivals, fearing they will be placed in secular schools as has been done to many immigrants in the past. Gedolei Torah have spoken out recently, opposed to a massive aliyah from France until such time assurances are received from the relevant state officials pertaining to the chinuch of the children.

Porush is concerned for he fears if the situation is not monitored, the children from these new immigrants, from frum families, may chas v’sholom be led on a stray path. A meeting was held recently in Porush’s office attended by rabbonim and askanim whom are familiar with the community of French immigrants. Apparently these rabbonim and askanim turned to Porush to assist, wishing to make sure their children enter the proper schools in a number of weeks.

Deputy Minister Porush and his staff are working with relevant state officials and agencies in the hope of succeeding in making sure all religious children from immigrant families from France will indeed be placed in torani schools. A special emphasis is being placed on Netanya where a large number of immigrants from France have settled, working with that city’s deputy mayor, Shimon Shar.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)