Education Minister Yoav Kisch is facing escalating attacks after ordering a broad review of gender-related content and activities in Israel’s education system. According to ministry sources, the inquiry will continue despite the pressure, headlines and public campaigns aimed at stopping it.
The dispute intensified after Channel 13 aired a report about a psychologist who is part of the review and her views on gender issues. People familiar with the matter say the real fight is not about one individual, but about whether professional discussion can take place when it does not fully match the progressive agenda that has dominated in recent years. One source said, “What we are seeing here is an attempt to single out a person and deter others.”
Supporters of the review argue that the case is important precisely because the psychologist has a professional background, and that it is misleading to claim there is only one legitimate expert position. They point to similar debates in Britain, the United States and other European countries over gender, treatment for minors and how schools should address these topics, with some policies and guidelines changed after renewed scrutiny.
Backers of Kisch also criticize the organizations leading the public campaign, saying some have long received support from the New Israel Fund and other groups identified with the progressive left. In Kisch’s circle, they stress that the Education Ministry is supposed to examine what is taught to hundreds of thousands of students professionally, not automatically adopt any ideology. A response was requested from the New Israel Fund and will be published if received. For now, the ministry says the review will go ahead.
