Matan Kahana Rates Himself Low on Conversion Reform, Open to Returning as Religious Affairs Minister

Matan Kahana, former Israeli Minister of Religious Services, rated his performance on religious conversion reform as zero, admitting he failed to meet his goals in this area. Regarding his efforts to reform kosher certification, he gave himself a score between 40 and 50 but noted others rated it lower.

In an interview on the program "Vision of the End of Days," Kahana expressed willingness to return to the Religious Affairs Ministry, though only as a secondary role. He emphasized his desire to lead a larger ministry, stating that the Religious Affairs Ministry is relatively small and that he now considers himself a more experienced politician.

Kahana also discussed his background, transitioning from elite military units such as Sayeret Matkal and pilot training into politics. He touched on his stance toward secular Israelis, ultra-Orthodox parties, and the call for equal burden-sharing in Israeli society. Notably, he identified as right-wing but does not pray three times daily, distancing himself from typical religious political imagery.

The interview revealed Kahana’s candid self-assessment and political ambitions, highlighting his mixed record on religious reforms and openness to future government roles with greater responsibility.