An investigative reporter for the Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot revealed on Monday that there are at least three kindergartens operating in the Tel Aviv area that are affiliated with the Scientology movement.
One of the kindergartens has over 90 students and has been granted a license by Israel's Ministry of Education, reported Merav Shlomo. The other two kindergartens are apparently operating without a license.
The report noted that the Education Ministry was unaware of the religious leanings of the one kindergarten when granting a license, which in and of itself betrayed a worrying lack of supervision over the Israeli education system.
An Education Ministry official told Yediot that the kindergarten has since denied any ties to the Church of Scientology, but that its license will be reviewed thoroughly at the end of the school year.
There is a small but influential Scientology movement in Israel, though groups involved in it often try to mask their affiliation with the Church of Scientology and its teachings.