State Comptroller Yosef Shapira’s office is investigating to determine if the Ministry of Education’s summer camp program discriminates against chareidim and Arabs. The investigation focuses on the ministry’s new plan that will provide summer camp programs for elementary school students in the nation’s public schools. Because many Arabs and chareidim are not part of this system, they are not entitled to benefit from the free summer program, leaving chareidi and Arab MKs yelling “discrimination”.

Education Minister Rabbi Shai Piron has told chareidi Members of Knesset that they are welcome to enter the system and benefit along with others.

During a session of the Knesset Audit Committee, Chairman MK (Shas) Amnon Cohen said “Under the auspices of the Reform, Minister Piron promotes discrimination directed at the children of Israel. He is the champion of widening social disparities. The local government betrayed MKs who assist it with its silence regarding the discrimination of the majority of its residents”.

The committee learned the state ombudsman in the comptroller’s office is checking into the summer camp program to determine if it is discriminatory. The investigation was launched due to a complaint filed by MK (Shas) David Azoulai.

MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Moshe Gafne added the champions of justice who are always quick to fight in the face of social injustice are silent when it comes to chareidim.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)