‘Insanity’ – fury as anti-LGBTQ leader set to head ‘Jewish identity’ department
Outgoing Prime Minister Lapid calls Netanyahu's decision to appoint Avi Maoz head of newly-created authority 'no less than insanity'.
Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to appoint Avi Maoz, single lawmaker of the anti-LGBTQ Noam party, head of a newly created “Jewish identity” authority has been met with fierce criticism by outgoing ministers.
Maoz is known for his homophobic comments and policy proposals aimed at curbing the rights of the LGBTQ community in Israel, opposing women in combat positions, support for legalising gender segregation at public events, and warning against the influence of Arab teachers in Jewish high school.
The newly created position as head of “Jewish identity” falls under the Prime Minister’s Office. Moaz will also be appointed deputy minister as part of the coalition agreement.
“This is the man who opposes women’s enlistment to the IDF, opposes women in senior roles, supports conversion therapy for the LGBT, and supports every other backward view imaginable. Is this what you wanted? For this backward nationalist to make decisions over your life? Over your daughters? Over your gay nephew? Is this how you want the State of Israel to look?” Lapid tweeted following the announcement.
Maoz will also be have authority over the organisation Nativ, which deals with Jewish immigration to Israel from the former Soviet Union.
Outgoing Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai called the decision to let Maoz deal with immigration “unreal.”
Nachman Shai, the current Diaspora minister in the outgoing government, said that forming the new body for Jewish identity “cheapens those words and their meaning.”
“Like the cat who got the cream, MK Avi Maoz, soon a deputy minister, will screen potential immigrants from Russia and Ukraine,” he said.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
