Otzma Yehudit Activist Distributes Noose Pins at Herzliya School

An incident involving the distribution of noose-shaped pins to students at the "Engineers" High School in Herzliya has sparked controversy. An activist from the Otzma Yehudit party distributed the pins during an election event held at the school, despite the school administration having previously informed the party representative that such distribution would not be permitted. Following the distribution, school staff intervened and collected the pins from students who had received or were wearing them. The Herzliya Municipality stated that the incident has been referred to the secondary education department for follow-up. Mayor Yariv Fischer condemned the act, calling it a "transgression of a red line educationally, value-wise, and ethically," and emphasized the danger of introducing such symbols into an educational institution, particularly given that some students are under 18. Otzma Yehudit defended the action, claiming the pins were intended to highlight the importance of deterrence against "terrorism" and were linked to the death penalty law the party has advocated for. This event is part of a series of election activities in high schools. Weeks prior, representatives from the same party attempted to distribute pistol-shaped keychains bearing the image of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during an event at Blich High School in Ramat Gan.