National Security Ministry Funds Eyal Golan Concert Amid Ongoing Investigation

The Ministry of National Security, in conjunction with the Prison Service Benefactors Fund, has allocated 1 million shekels to finance a concert featuring singer Eyal Golan, who is currently under police investigation. The event, scheduled to take place at the Menora Mivtachim Arena, will also include singer Eden Ben Zaken and is intended for 11,000 prison service personnel and their families. The total cost of the concert is 2.75 million shekels, with the Ministry contributing 1 million and the Benefactors Fund covering the remainder. The Ministry describes the event as a "tribute to Prison Service staff," and the 1 million shekel payment was made without a tender to the Benefactors Fund, which is financing the rest of the show. According to the Ministry and the Prison Service, the event "directly and significantly contributes to maintaining and strengthening the motivation of Prison Service staff, while reinforcing the organization's sense of belonging and appreciation for their work." Documents from the tender committee indicate that the Ministry's logo will be used, despite claims that the Ministry is merely funding the event and not directly involved. The Ministry of National Security stated that the event is organized by the Prison Service, not the Ministry itself, and that neither the Ministry nor the Minister see any issue with the arrangement, citing the presumption of innocence for all citizens in a democratic country. It was also reported that the Police Benefactors Fund is separately marketing a similar Eyal Golan concert to police officers. Eyal Golan is under investigation for alleged sex offenses in connection with the "Company Games" and "Cosmetologist" affairs, with prosecutors recently deciding to reopen the "Company Games" investigation. This funding comes from the same body responsible for the police investigating Golan.