All Christian schools in Jerusalem, including Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School in the Armenian Quarter, will suspend classes beginning September 1, 2026, after Israeli authorities failed to renew entry permits for more than 70 teachers and staff members from the West Bank.

By decree of the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School will join the city’s Christian schools in suspending classes.

The decision is expected to affect more than 8,500 students across Jerusalem.

According to statements issued by Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School and the General Secretariat for Christian Educational Institutions in Jerusalem, the permits were not renewed ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year and without prior notice, preventing teachers, administrators, health workers, cleaners, support staff, and employees responsible for school security and safety from reaching their workplaces.

Following consultations with the Committee of Christian Schools in Jerusalem, school administrations, parents’ representatives, and relevant authorities, the schools decided to suspend student attendance until the permits are renewed and staff members are able to return.

Christian educational institutions stressed that they have served Jerusalem for centuries and remain an essential part of the city’s cultural, social, and educational life.

They warned that repeated restrictions on staff access undermine the stability of the schools and directly affect thousands of students, families, educators, and the wider community.

Sts. Tarkmanchatz reaffirmed its commitment to its students’ right to education and called for the permits to be restored without delay.

Classes are expected to resume once the affected teachers and staff regain access to Jerusalem.