Deputy Education Minister (Yahadut HaTorah) Menachem Eliezer Moses on Monday morning addressed a chareidi forum in Elad, directors of mosdos addressing the coming school year.

Moses explained the new reality which includes dissolving the ministry’s section of schools that are “recognized” yet outside the system. Most chareidi mosdos fall in this category. The mosdos will be operating under the new “Chareidi Education” unit of the ministry.

Moses addressed the anti-chareidi media campaign surrounding the need to pass a new Tal Law, adding the ministry has the facts and figures, the simple reality reflecting today’s demographic realities that have the non-frum community worried. He explains that in 5773, for the first time ever, the chareidi and dati leumi tzibur will represent the majority among preschool children, 52%. Just 15 years ago, the chareidim represented a mere 12.6% and today, that number stands at 32%. The dati leumi community adds the 20% to bring the shomer shabbos preschool community to the majority.

The minister added that in 2059, the chareidim and Arabs will represent the majority in Israel according to the Central Bureau of Statistics.

That report states in another 47 years there will be 15.6 million residents and while a few years ago the chareidim numbered 750,000, that number is expected to reach 5.84 million in 50 years.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)