Professors for a Strong Israel

Statement to the Press - 2 March 2000


Re: Politicization of the educational system

The new literature curriculum, together with that for history, is indicative of the systematic politicization of the educational system under Minister-Commissar Yossi Sarid. The unthinkable is upon us: The removal of Tchernichowsky’s poetry from the syllabus in favor of the Palestinian nationalist works of Mahmud Darwish!

Previously, Sarid ordered the commemoration in our schools of the anniversary of the Kfar Kassem massacre of 1956. How does the patently illegal order that led to the massacre differ from the patently illegal acts that Sarid urges constantly: "drying out" of communities, exile of Jews from their own country merely because they are Jews?

This politicization is apparent as well in the choice of controversial (to say the least) candidates for the Israel Prize, Professor Asa Casher and former Minister of Education Shulamit Aloni. The awarding of the Israel Prize to these individuals converts this prestigious, non-partisan institution as well into a political tool.

This is additional evidence of the degeneration sweeping all aspects of life in Israel since the virtual-peace agreement with the Palestinian terrorist organizations. Professors for a Strong Israel calls on the Prime Minister to reexamine the performance of the Minister of Education, to bring an end to this politicization of the school system, and to reverse the cumulative damage to our children's education.

Dr. Ron Breiman, Spokesman
Tel: 050-518 940
Pager: 03-610 6666 / 28345