Author Benny Ziffer Fears Parents' Disapproval Over Political Shift

Author, poet, and journalist Benny Ziffer, known for his past proximity to the Prime Minister's wife, recently appeared on the Knesset Channel podcast "Changing Direction." During the interview with Dr. Nissim Katz, Ziffer discussed his significant political evolution over the years. Once associated with the left and having served as an editor at the newspaper Haaretz, Ziffer has become a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Netanyahu and the right-wing bloc.

Ziffer revealed his apprehension about his parents discovering his political transformation, stating, "I was afraid to tell my parents, who were no longer alive, luckily. I always thought that if my father or mother were alive and knew I had changed my views, they would jump. Maybe now they are also turning in their graves. At least I don't see it." He explained that his parents, who belonged to the Labor Party, prioritized conformity and societal integration, believing that fitting in was crucial for personal and familial advancement.

He further shared that he still communicates with his parents in unique ways, such as in dreams and through writing, and admitted to feeling a persistent sense of antagonism, as if he hasn't moved past adolescence. Ziffer also spoke about the strain his political shift placed on his relationship with his elder brother, who remained aligned with their parents' left-wing views. "It really, really hurt him that I had changed. He simply couldn't digest it," Ziffer said. While they maintain contact and enjoy each other's company, they strictly avoid discussing politics to prevent conflict.