Former Soccer Star Eyal Berkovich Sparks Debate Over Israel's Holiday Length

Former Israeli soccer player and media personality Eyal Berkovich has ignited a controversy regarding the length and frequency of holidays in Israel. Speaking on the daily current affairs program he co-hosts on Channel 13, Berkovich criticized the concentration of holidays in the Hebrew calendar and their impact on the Israeli economy and security.

Berkovich questioned the necessity of celebrating holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot multiple times and expressed bewilderment at the sheer number of holidays observed. His remarks, particularly his statement that "economically and security-wise, all holidays need to be shortened, holidays don't need to be so long," drew significant backlash on social media.

Responding to the criticism, Berkovich clarified his position during a live broadcast, emphasizing that he was not advocating for the cancellation of holidays. Instead, he differentiated between observing traditions and the prolonged work stoppages that disrupt the economy. "Here it cannot be because people are not working," he stated, highlighting the perceived economic burden of extended holiday periods compared to OECD countries.

Berkovich's comments come against the backdrop of the Hebrew calendar's holiday density and the significant gap between school and work breaks in Israel and those common in other developed nations. He stressed the need to shorten these periods to ensure continued economic activity and address security considerations.