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 value-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 'Knafayim Shel Krembo' and the 'Zikaron Ba'Salon' initiative, and co-founded the inclusive education network 'Inklo'. Her work emphasizes a broad educational philosophy where education is seen not just as a tool for knowledge acquisition but as a foundation for a unified, value-driven, and excellent Israeli society. Her activities bridge formal and informal education, connect children from diverse backgrounds and needs, and span 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 Eisenkot's slate because "we are before a change, at a historic moment, and I have no right to 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. She added, "Gadi, thank you for fighting for education in Israel and understanding that it is the most important thing."

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