The Israeli public schools are scheduled to open this Thursday, September 1, 2016 for the new school year. the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) conducted a poll to determine just how fond Israelis are of the state’s education system. The poll, which was released on Sunday, 24 Menachem Av, reveals only 7% of the respondents view the system being “very good” and 38% rate it “good”. However, 36% gave it a “not so good” rating while 12% feel it is “not good at all”. Hence, we see the disappointment lies within the Jewish community as 74% of Bedouins and 67% of Muslims rates the school system positively.

The poll also reveals that 38% of the students attend private tutoring for additional study aid.

Are the education system services given out equally to all?

· 40% of the Jewish community feels services are equal

· 47% of Christians & Muslims feel there is equality

Parents of children in prekindergarten (gan trom-chova) children

· 48% “very satisfied”

· 40% “satisfied”

· 12% “dissatisfied”

Parents of children in kindergarten (gan chova) children

· 44% “very satisfied”

· 41% “satisfied”

· 13% “dissatisfied”

Parents of school children however appear less satisfied than those of children in kindergarten and prekindergarten.

Parents of children in elementary & high schools

· 33% “very satisfied” (elementary schools only)

· 30% “very satisfied” (high schools only)

· 48% “satisfied”

· 19% “dissatisfied”

· 85% of Jewish sector is “satisfied” while less than 70% of the Arab sector feels the same way.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)