Olmert, Wake Up! A SHATIL-initiated Ad Supports Calls for Basic Educational Reform

December 3, 2007

A SHATIL-initiated ad run in Ha'aretz on November 19th, calling on PM Ehud Olmert to wake up and smell the educational crisis, drew enthusiastic response from teachers and civil society leaders. Signed by a 49 non-governmental organizations representing a wide array of issue areas, the ad called for an urgent change in national priorities, leading to a true reform of Israel's beleaguered education system. The ad expressed full support for the striking teachers in their quest for educational reform, reasonable compensation and significant additional resources for schools. It criticized PM Olmert for ignoring the crisis and called on the government to present and implement a national program to strengthen public education, improve student achievements and bridge socially based educational gaps.

The ad ended with: "We, social organizations in Israel, are convinced that quality education is the key to the promotion of a flourishing, just society. Only systemic change will result in a better education for every child in Israel."