Bereaved Families Outraged Ex-Shin Bet Chief to Lead Leadership School

The families of victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel have voiced strong opposition to the involvement of Ronen Bar, the former head of the Shin Bet security service, in a new initiative to establish a school for political leadership at Reichman University in Herzliya. The families argue that anyone bearing responsibility for the security failures that allowed the attacks to occur should not be entrusted with shaping the next generation of Israeli leaders.

The controversy stems from the revelation, first reported by Kan public broadcaster, that Bar is assisting in the founding of the school, envisioning it as a program similar to leadership institutions worldwide, offering an academic degree upon completion. Bar reportedly intends to include former senior defense officials, Shai Piron, and Roy Folkman on the school’s managing board.

The October 7th attacks, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others, represent the deadliest single day for Jews since the Holocaust and triggered a two-year war. The scale of the tragedy has fueled intense scrutiny of the intelligence and security apparatus, and the families of the victims are demanding accountability.

Shelly Meshel-Yogev, the mother of Libby Cohen Meguri, who was murdered during the Nova music festival attack, expressed her outrage to Kan, questioning Bar’s suitability to lead or teach in a leadership program. “Can Ronen Bar open a course on leadership? What sort of leadership and leader is it suitable for him to lead and teach?” she asked. She extended her criticism to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Aharon Haliva, the former IDF intel chief, calling for a state commission of inquiry and the removal of those responsible for the October 7 failures.

Meshel-Yogev further stated in an Army Radio interview that she believes all of Israel’s political and military leaders, including Netanyahu, should step down and relinquish any further role in public life. Her sentiments reflect a growing demand for systemic change and accountability within the Israeli government and security establishment.

The anti-government October Council group echoed these concerns, sending a letter to Reichman University’s president, administrators, and board members, urging them to reconsider their collaboration with Bar. The letter, cited by Kan, argued that involving Bar in a leadership program “crosses a red line” and undermines the fundamental value of public leadership in Israel. “First and foremost is the need to take responsibility,” the letter stated, adding, “We will not allow someone who is responsible for the failure that led to the slaughter of our loved ones to shape the character of the next Israeli leader.”

Yigal Cohen, who lost his daughter Hadar Miriam Cohen in the Nahal Oz military post, similarly expressed his dismay to Kan, stating, “It is terrible.” He asserted that anyone holding a position of responsibility on October 7th should “hand in their keys” and leave public life.

Kan reported that Bar has been in discussions with public figures regarding the program, which aims to prepare the next generation of political leaders. While Bar’s role is currently limited to serving on the managing board and assisting in the program’s establishment, the families’ opposition highlights the deep-seated anger and distrust surrounding the events of October 7th.

Meshel-Yogev took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her disapproval, stating that her daughter “won’t be learning in university” and that those “who had their hands on the wheel on October 7 can’t teach us anything on leadership.”

Bar’s involvement comes after he publicly called for a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7th attack in December, implicitly criticizing Netanyahu. He had previously admitted responsibility for the Shin Bet’s failure to prevent the attacks and announced his resignation in April, a decision that prompted a legal challenge in the High Court of Justice.

The families’ petition to the Supreme Court to uphold Bar’s dismissal underscores the depth of their frustration and their determination to hold those they believe responsible accountable for the devastating events of October 7th. The petition argues that the Shin Bet failed to provide adequate warnings despite possessing significant intelligence, leading to the deaths of thousands and a prolonged conflict.

Bar is one of several senior officials who have resigned in the wake of the October 7th failures, including Haliva, Herzi Halevi (former IDF chief of staff), Yaron Finkelman (former IDF Southern Command head), and Avi Rosenfeld (former commander of the Gaza Division). Netanyahu, however, has resisted calls for a state commission of inquiry and has attempted to deflect blame onto security chiefs.

The situation highlights a broader political struggle within Israel, with opposition politicians, good governance groups, and hostages’ families all demanding a thorough and independent investigation into the events leading up to the October 7th attacks. The government’s preference for a politically appointed probe has further fueled these demands, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.