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Israeli Education Ministry Chief Resigns in Protest of Judicial Coup, Citing Societal Rift [1]

['Shira Kadari-Ovadia']

Date: 2023-07-28

The Director-General of Israel's Education Ministry resigned on Friday in protest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing judicial overhaul legislation.

Asaf Zalel said in a statement that "The rift we have reached [in society] does not allow me to continue to fulfill my responsibilities as required," and would like to conclude his tenure.

Education Minister Yoav Kish acknowledged Zalal's role and announced that Meir Shimoni, the Regional Director for Jerusalem in the ministry, will replace him as the new Director-General.

Zalal expressed similar sentiments in a letter sent to Education Ministry officials, saying, "I cannot continue serving the system that I love so much and wanted to lead to the secure place it needs to be. The current rift does not allow me to proceed and fulfill my responsibilities as required."

He further emphasized that he "has never aligned with any particular side, even now," stressing the importance of "preserving the educational system in a stately manner," and urging the education community to work together "to bridge the gaps and fix the divisions in society."

According to sources, Zalal had intended to resign a month ago due to political interference from Kish and his office in decisions and appointments within the ministry. However, he reconsidered his decision after being assured by the minister that there would be no further interference.

Following Monday's approval to abolish the reasonableness standard, Zalal began seriously contemplating his resignation again.

A retired Brigadier General who previously led the Israeli Air Force's attack division, Zalal was appointed as director-general of the Education Ministry in January, succeeding Dalit Stauber. Despite lacking prior managerial experience in the education system, his background includes "volunteering in schools in underprivileged areas, mentoring young teachers, and fulfilling educational dreams for struggling students."

About two weeks after his appointment, Zalal reprimanded the principal of a Tel Aviv high school for supporting protests against the government's planned judicial overhaul and called for educators to maintain political neutrality.

Zalal also ordered the Education Ministry to issue a formal memo to all school principals earlier this week reminding them that political gatherings and encouraging protests during school hours were against ministry protocol. The memo said that several incidents had occurred recently in which educators organized protests and "voiced political and radical statements that go beyond the bounds of freedom of speech."

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[1] Url: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-07-28/ty-article/.premium/israeli-education-ministry-chief-resigns-in-protest-of-judicial-coup-citing-social-rift/00000189-9bf3-de97-af9f-fbffdee40000

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