Skip to main content

Ultra-Orthodox request gender-segregated university study

As more ultra-Orthodox seek higher education, universities are struggling with whether to offer segregated courses and programs, which would undermine educational principles and devalue female academics.
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men attend an English lesson in Elad, an ultra-Orthodox town near Tel Aviv, October 17, 2013. Adhering to a strict religious lifestyle, Haredim - Hebrew for "those who fear God" - mostly live in their own towns and neighbourhoods, keep to their own schools and shun secular culture. But there are signs of a growing, dispersed movement driving change inside the cloistered, and also poor, community. Picture taken October 17, 2013. REUTERS/Nir Elias (ISRAEL - Tags: POLITICS EDUCATION SOCIE
Read in 

Issues of religion, state and multiculturalism raise significant questions about values and politics everywhere. In Israel’s splintered society, these questions often arouse strong polemics between the various sectors and their representatives. Take the following example: Politicians, academics and social activists — whether ultra-Orthodox, religious or secular — may agree that ultra-Orthodox Jews should be encouraged to enter the work force. They may even agree that the best way to achieve this goal is through higher education. However, they do not agree on the social price that must be paid to realize this goal. There is even less agreement on who, exactly, should pay that price.

According to data from the Bank of Israel, about 44.5% of ultra-Orthodox men are part of the work force today (compared with about 78% of the non-ultra-Orthodox population). Most are employed in lower-paid positions, which perpetuates the poverty of their population and increases their burden on society at large.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.