Education Minister Defends Music Playing During Protest

Minister Kisch Faces Outrage After Playing Music During Bereaved Mother’s Protest

Hod hasharon resident and Education Minister Yoav Kisch is facing severe criticism after reportedly playing music to drown out a protest by a mother mourning her two daughters, both of whom were killed in the October 7th Hamas attacks.

The incident occurred during a nationwide day of protests and strikes organized by groups demanding increased efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages held in gaza. Approximately one million Israelis – roughly one in ten citizens – participated in demonstrations across the contry, spurred by the cabinet’s recent decision to prioritize conquering Gaza city, a move warned to endanger the hostages.

Details of the incident

The mother, whose name has not been widely released, was reportedly speaking to reporters when Kisch began playing music at his home. Kisch stated he was unaware she was speaking and intended to counter the “aggressive protesters” who he claims harass his family with “slurs.”

“They used Sigal in a cynical and malicious way. I had no idea she was speaking outside, and I spoke with her yesterday after the incident. I put on music because I’m not willing to hear the slurs against my wife and children,” Army Radio quoted Kisch as saying.

Strong Condemnation from Hostage Family

Eli Albag, father of Liri Albag, who was held hostage for 477 days before her release in January, vehemently condemned Kisch’s actions in a Channel 13 interview.

“You idiot. Sometimes you need to understand who’s in front of you, who’s coming and what their pain is. You’re the education minister – minister of shame, disgrace of the human race.Scum of the human race. You should be ashamed of yourself.Playing music over a mother who’s mourning her two daughters,”

Eli Albag, Channel 13 interview

Albag also used an expletive during his emotional outburst.

Hostage Situation and Protests

As of Monday, it is estimated that 20-22 hostages remain alive in captivity, while the bodies of 27 others have been confirmed dead. Additionally, Hamas continues to hold the body of an Israeli soldier killed in Gaza in 2014.

The nationwide protests were accompanied by a major strike involving hundreds of local authorities, businesses, universities, and tech companies, although Israel’s central labor union, the Histadrut, did not participate.