Christian Education Reform: A Zionist Imperative

In the heart of Israel, a significant opportunity awaits. Israeli Christians, a small but historically rich group, are uniquely positioned to become a strong and loyal ally in the Zionist cause. Their roots in the land run deep, predating the arrival of Arab-Muslim conquerors by centuries, and they share fundamental values with the Jewish people. Yet today, these same Christians face a crossroads: they are divided between two educational systems—some attend “Arab” schools that prioritize an Islamic narrative, while others attend denominational schools that teach outdated sectarian identities. Both approaches fail to resonate with modern Christian youth and do little to foster a deep connection to the Jewish state. The question is urgent: Will Israel support its Christian minority in reclaiming their heritage and aligning more closely with the Zionist vision, or will it allow this community to remain ideologically adrift, diminishing its potential as a loyal partner in securing Israel’s future?

Currently, many Christian students are enrolled in schools administered by the “Arab department,” where the curriculum prioritizes an Islamic perspective. This has left Christian children disconnected from their own heritage, as they learn more about Islamic conquerors than about their own religious and cultural history. Many parents have expressed concern that their children know more about early caliphs than about Jesus or the Christian history of the land. Meanwhile, church-run denominational schools that could serve as alternatives often teach a narrow, sectarian version of Christian identity, which many students feel is outdated and out of touch with their experiences as modern Israeli citizens. This has left many Israeli Christians feeling marginalized, as no existing educational framework truly reflects their unique place in Israel’s history and society.

The imposition of Arab identity through the education structure, combined with outdated sectarianism, undermines Israeli Christian identity. Christian students are deprived of a curriculum that connects them to their religious and cultural roots, and both secular and denominational education options fail to provide them with a vision of Christian identity that is relevant to their future in Israel. Teachers have raised concerns over increasing pressure to include more Islamic content in the curriculum, and even in denominational schools, where the focus on Islamic history and culture often overshadows a robust education that could strengthen students’ connection to Israel. Without change, young Christians may grow up disconnected from both their faith and their place in Israeli society.

The solution is clear: Israel must separate Christian education from the Arab department and reform denominational schools to reflect a more cohesive and forward-looking Christian identity. Prominent political figures, such as Avigdor Liberman, have already voiced their support for this move, recognizing the need for Israeli Christians to reclaim their educational autonomy. Liberman has remarked, “I don’t understand why they don’t create an educational department for Christians… After all, the Christian minority here does want to integrate into the state.” A reformed Christian curriculum should mirror the national Jewish curriculum, while also emphasizing Christian history, Judeo-Christian values, and the Christian contributions to the region over millennia.

This reform would open a new chapter for Israeli Christians, allowing them to take pride in their unique identity while reinforcing their connection to the Jewish state. Despite being a small community—210,000 compared to Israel’s 7.2 million Jews—Christians could become one of Israel’s most loyal and patriotic groups. Many Christian students have expressed frustration with both current curricula and denominational teachings, feeling that their identity is being erased or constrained by outdated sectarianism. They are calling for more focus on their Christian roots in a way that connects them to Israel’s future, not just its past. This sentiment is widespread among Christian youth, who want to embrace their heritage while contributing fully to Israel’s future.

Without this reform, Israel risks losing one of its most promising and loyal minority communities. Israeli Christians, though far better off than their Palestinian counterparts—who suffer severe marginalization under Palestinian governance—are still emigrating in troubling numbers. The erosion of Christian identity, compounded by a lack of relevant educational support, is driving this trend, as many young Christians feel disconnected from their heritage and uncertain about their future in Israel. Israeli Christians, who already contribute vibrantly to the nation’s fabric, could become even more integral to Israel’s future if empowered to embrace their identity and fully invest in the state’s success.

However, this can be reversed. The Druze community offers a strong example of how a minority group can maintain its unique identity while becoming a fully integrated and loyal part of Israeli society. With the same support and opportunities, Israeli Christians could follow a similar path, contributing to the security, economy, and cultural fabric of the nation.

Reforming Christian education would not only benefit Christians but also strengthen Israel itself. Both Christians and Jews share values of faith, family, and community, and reforming Christian education would create stronger bonds between the two groups. Lt. Col. (Res.) Ihab Shlayan, Israel’s highest-ranking Christian officer, has emphasized that “With a strong Christian identity, Israeli Christians can contribute to Israel’s internal cohesion and act as loyal allies in defending the state from shared external threats.” Supporting Christian education reform would reinforce the Zionist project by ensuring that Christians can serve as full and patriotic participants in Israeli society.

Now is the time for both Jewish and Western Christian communities to take action. Western Christians, with their strong ties to the Holy Land, can offer political and financial support, helping to build long-term partnerships with local Christian schools. Western Christian communities have a crucial role in supporting Israeli Christians by funding curriculum development, creating advocacy groups, and forming partnerships with local schools to preserve the Christian heritage of the Holy Land. Israeli Jews, meanwhile, must push for reforms within the government, advocating for their Christian neighbors to receive the same opportunities for cultural and educational autonomy as other minority communities like the Druze.

Israel has an opportunity to help its Christian minority become a proud, loyal, and integral part of the state’s future. By separating Christian education from the Arab department and reforming denominational schools to foster a relevant Christian identity, Israel can gain a new, devoted minority that will stand alongside the Jewish people in building a strong and secure future. If Israel is to strengthen its role as a democratic Jewish state that respects its diverse communities, it must support its Christian minority in reclaiming its heritage and ensuring their active participation in the nation’s future. Now is the time for both Jews and Christians to unite in making this vision a reality.