Florida Group Pushes Back on Criticism of Jewish Charter School Bid in Oklahoma

Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation responds to concerns raised by Jewish organizations in Oklahoma

Feb. 2, 2026 at 5:55am

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The Florida-based Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation is moving forward with its application to open a tax-payer funded Jewish virtual charter school in Oklahoma, despite criticism from the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City and the Jewish Federation of Greater Tulsa. The group's lead attorney claims the Jewish Federations do not speak for all Jews in Oklahoma, while the Tulsa Federation says the out-of-state organization has not properly engaged with the local Jewish community.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the separation of church and state, as well as the role of religious organizations in public education. The proposed Jewish charter school has raised concerns about using taxpayer funds to support a religious institution, even as the group argues it will provide a valuable educational opportunity for the Jewish community in Oklahoma.

The details

The Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation has applied to the Statewide Charter School Board to open a tax-payer funded Jewish virtual charter school in Oklahoma. This has drawn criticism from the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City and the Jewish Federation of Greater Tulsa, which represent a majority of the state's Jewish institutions. The Federations argue the school would violate the separation of church and state. However, the foundation's lead attorney claims the Federations do not speak for all Jews in Oklahoma, and that the group has engaged with individual Jews who support the school's vision.

  • The Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation submitted its application to the Statewide Charter School Board in early 2026.
  • The Jewish Federations of Greater Oklahoma City and Greater Tulsa have publicly opposed the charter school proposal in recent weeks.

The players

Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation

A Florida-based group that is applying to open a tax-payer funded Jewish virtual charter school in Oklahoma.

Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City

An organization representing the Jewish community in Oklahoma City, which has publicly opposed the proposed Jewish charter school.

Jewish Federation of Greater Tulsa

An organization representing the Jewish community in Tulsa, which has also publicly opposed the proposed Jewish charter school.

Eric Baxter

Senior counsel at Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and lead attorney for the Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation.

Peter Deutsch

A representative of the Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes, institutions that see potential new competitors will attempt to keep those competitors out of the market for educational providers. And while the Jewish Federation is entitled to its own opinions, it does not speak for all Jews.”

— Eric Baxter, Senior counsel, Becket Fund for Religious Liberty

“It is correct that no single institution can claim to speak for all Jews, as our community is diverse like any other, but what Ben Gamla is missing is it is not just one institution. In fact, roughly 85% of Oklahoma's Jewish institutions have gone on record expressing serious concerns around this action. But, let's be crystal clear: an out-of-state organization should not be allowed to define what Oklahoma's Jewish community needs without actual engagement with our community.”

— Joe Roberts, Executive director, Jewish Federation of Greater Tulsa

What’s next

The Statewide Charter School Board will decide whether to approve the Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation's application in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the role of religion in public education, as well as the importance of engaging with local communities when proposing new educational initiatives. The proposed Jewish charter school has raised concerns about the separation of church and state, even as the group argues it will provide valuable educational opportunities.