Israel Prize Laureate Joins Gadi Eisenkot's Party, Tapped for Education Minister

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party, announced Sunday that Adi Altshuler, a recipient of the Israel Prize and the Presidential Medal of Honor, is joining his party ahead of the upcoming elections. Eisenkot stated that Altshuler is one of Israel's most prominent figures in education and society, dedicating over two decades to education, fostering connections, and building a more cohesive and values-driven Israeli society. He expressed his pleasure that Altshuler accepted his request to be a candidate for Yisrael Beiteinu, with the aim of serving as Education Minister in a future government.

Altshuler, a well-known educator, founded the youth movement "Wings of Krembo" and the "Remembering in the Living Room" initiative, and co-founded the inclusive education network "Inklu." The party's statement highlighted her broad educational philosophy, viewing education not just as a tool for knowledge acquisition but as a foundation for a unified, ethical, and excellent Israeli society. Her work bridges formal and informal education, connects children from diverse backgrounds and needs, and spans generations, driven by a belief in education's power to build belonging, responsibility, and leadership from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Altshuler stated that she feels compelled to join the political effort at this "historic moment" and cannot stand aside. As a mother whose children attend Israeli schools and having worked to change education from the outside, she believes in Eisenkot's leadership and sincerity in serving the country with deep responsibility and love for Israel. She thanked Eisenkot for fighting for education, recognizing it as the most crucial issue.

Earlier on Sunday, it was also reported that Hili Tropper, formerly chairman of the "Zionist Reserve" party with Yoaz Hendel, is expected to join Eisenkot's slate. Shira Shapira is also anticipated to join Tropper and is expected to be placed in a realistic spot on the list, while Eliasef Peretz is likely to be placed in a more marginal position.