Jerusalem schools to operate regularly as security fears partly addressed

jerusalem’s high schools were set to operate regularly Monday, after Economy Minister Aryeh Deri approved a temporary measure allowing security guards to work longer hours due to the security situation in the capital and across the country. Since last Thursday, the schools called a partial strike, ending sessions at 1:30 p.m. when security guards also finish their shifts. The closure was called after Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and the city’s parents association failed to reach an agreement with the Finance and Public Security ministries over the lack of funding. On Monday, most schools were set to run until 4:30 p.m, the usual hour. Deri, working with the Ministry of Public Security, the Israel Police and the Labor Union, issued the order on Sunday afternoon allowing for additional hours for security guards. “Following the current increasing demand for security services, I have authorized an extension in the employment of security guards.”