11th Thought

The article I will be discussing, from the Jerusalem Post:
Here

This article describes student protests taking place over a reduction of funding to the tune of 75o million. Education Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that "at "times like these Israel should be investing in education." He added that cuts would mean teachers would inevitably be fired."

Currently all governments are facing economic difficulties. Something has to be cut, of course, but education seems like a terrible choice. It's so important for a country to be well educated. It improves the economy, raises its standing in the world, and instills a moral bedrock in its students. In Israel's case, history (especially Jewish history) is so fundamental to its well-being that I can't imagine arguing for tuition hikes and the firing of teachers.

Education is incredibly important in Judaism, which is one of the things I admire most about my religion. Despite this decision by the government, that value certainly seems to have held. I really can't imagine a bunch of American teachers and students vocally protesting a cut in the budget. I'm impressed that Israeli citizens felt that empowered and dedicated to do so. It's nice, too, that they rearranged exams to give room to the protest.

Hopefully, the importance and power of education will continue to be recognized, and the budget redone. That's such a massive cut, but Sa'ar did note that Netanyahu "wants to help on education." That desire should be carried through. I also hope the students do well on their exams; I have three finals coming up and appreciate their pain.

America, we should care this much about our schools too.