The Pink Times
Aa
  • Home
  • World News
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
  • Rights
    • Activism
    • Law
    • Politics
    • Education
    • Media
    • Health
  • Health
  • Culture
    • Art
    • Books
    • Entertainment
    • Drag
    • Fashion
    • History
    • Love
    • People
    • Photography
    • Religion
  • Drag
  • Life
  • Money
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • People
Reading: Israeli mayors in uproar over anti-LGBTQ politician’s school powers
Share
Aa
The Pink Times
Search
  • Home
  • World News
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
  • Rights
    • Activism
    • Law
    • Politics
    • Education
    • Media
    • Health
  • Health
  • Culture
    • Art
    • Books
    • Entertainment
    • Drag
    • Fashion
    • History
    • Love
    • People
    • Photography
    • Religion
  • Drag
  • Life
  • Money
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • People
Follow US
The Pink Times > Rights > Education > Israeli mayors in uproar over anti-LGBTQ politician’s school powers
EducationMiddle EastPolitics

Israeli mayors in uproar over anti-LGBTQ politician’s school powers

The Pink Times
The Pink Times December 7, 2022
Updated 2022/12/07 at 4:59 PM
Share
Far-right Israeli lawmaker and Noam Party leader Avi Maoz speaks to the press before a party meeting on Nov. 28, 2022, in Jerusalem. - Amir Levy/Getty Images

JERUSALEM, Dec 7 (Reuters) – Incoming Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu drew opposition from scores of local authorities after naming a far-right politician with a history of anti-LGBTQ speech to head a new “National Jewish Identity” authority with powers over some school activities.

Under a coalition deal following Netanyahu’s Nov. 1 election victory, Avi Maoz, sole member of the Noam party, will become a deputy minister to lead the newly formed authority within the prime minister’s office.

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Maoz, who has said he wants to beat back progressive agendas in schools and strengthen national Jewish identity, would also have authority over extra-curricular educational content like guest lecturers in Israeli classrooms.

The deal prompted more than 50 municipal officials and 300 school principals to notify Netanyahu that they would not play along with any politician who endangered pluralism and democratic values.

“When you are willing to concede to religious parties and sell your values in exchange for other things, that will come back to you multiplied,” Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai told Israel’s 103 FM radio.

Maoz in a statement on Monday called the backlash a wild, undemocratic campaign by the losing minority, meant to delegitimize Netanyahu’s emerging government. He pledged that any steps he takes will be fully transparent and in full cooperation with parents and schools.

Netanyahu on Friday also rejected the criticism, saying he would lead his government “according to the national and democratic principles that have guided me all my life”.

Maoz’s appointment follows other coalition deals naming the fireband Itamar Ben-Gvir as security minister and fellow far-right leader Bezalel Smotrich as finance minister in what is set to be one of the most right-wing governments in Israel’s history.

Maoz, who has said he is not anti-gay but rather opposed to the LGBTQ movement, last week called for the cancellation of the annual Jerusalem gay pride march, which he described as “an abominable and promiscuous parade”, prompting Netanyahu to pledge the event would remain intact.

Miri Bialer, chair of Tehila, an LGBTQ support organization which sends guest lecturers to schools, said Maoz’s appointment risked turning back the clock on accepting LGBTQ kids.

“It’s problematic, it’s putting the children back in the closet and sending them back into ignorance,” Bialer said.

On Tuesday, outgoing Education Minister Yifat Shasha Biton convened an emergency meeting at the Israeli Knesset, which was attended by mayors and education officials.

“How can programmes about gender equality, women’s rights, minority rights, tolerance, acceptance of the other, sex education be placed in his hands?” she asked.

TAGGED: Avi Maoz, homophobia, Israel, Jerusalem, Netanyahu, Tel Aviv

Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts and more!
Please wait...

Thank you for sign up!

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
The Pink Times December 7, 2022
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit VKontakte Telegram Email
Share
Bella Ramsey Expresses Concerns Over Pedro Pascal’s “Daddy” Image
TV
Taylor Swift Celebrates Pride Month and Advocates for LGBTQ+ Rights During Eras Tour in Chicago
Music
Sam Smith Shares Positive News and Announces Hotly-Anticipated Collaboration with Madonna
Music
Twitter’s Head of Trust and Safety Resigns Amid Controversy Over Anti-Trans Film Moderation
Money Tech
Trans Legislator Slams Florida Governor’s Discriminatory Attacks on LGBTQ+ Rights
Politics United States
Ad image
Join us!

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Please wait...

Thank you for sign up!

Most Viewed Posts

  • Hot Photos from Paul’s Book “Larrikin Prince” Unleashed
  • Hot and Sexy: A Visual Exploration of Masculine Bravado and Regal Splendor
  • A Shift in Perspective: The Art of Male Nude Photography
  • A Journey Through Male Body Diversity with InkedKenny and BEEFYBOY
  • The Ginger Sensation of RuPaul’s Drag Race: A Tribute to Bryce Eilenberg

Useful links

About us
Advertise
Contact
Newsletter

The Pink Times
Follow US

All rights reserved

Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss the latest news, podcasts and more!

Please wait...

Thank you for sign up!

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?