Shira Shapira Resigns Government Role, Eyes Political Career After Son’s Death in Gaza Battle

Shira Shapira, an educator and mother of Enar Shapira who was killed during the deadly battle at the "Death Migdoniya" in Re'im on October 7, has resigned from her position as Deputy Director at the Ministry of Heritage. She was responsible for heritage affairs in the Reclamation Area. Her resignation aligns with the legal deadline requiring civil servants to step down if they intend to run for Knesset elections.

According to Channel 13, Shapira has recently received multiple political offers and is expected to join Benny Gantz’s party, though she is still in talks with other political groups and plans to announce her final decision soon. Shapira is a senior public service manager, architect, and urban planner who has led the government’s strategic program for documentation, heritage, and commemoration in the Reclamation Area since October 7. She also founded an association in memory of her son Enar, a Nahal reconnaissance soldier who became a hero during the battle at the "Death Migdoniya," saving ten lives by throwing back Hamas grenades before being killed.

In related political developments, Eli Shitavi, a leader of families of hostages and father of Idan Shitavi who was killed and whose body was abducted to Gaza on October 7, plans to run in the Likud primaries. He expressed a moral obligation to act following his son’s death. Additionally, Tair Ifargan, former CEO of the Ministry of Labor and a senior public servant, recently joined Benny Gantz’s party. She currently leads a philanthropic partnership for northern and southern development established after October 7. These figures join other prominent politicians who have recently entered the party, including former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, economist Shaul Meridor, former minister Matan Kahana, and former MK and minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen.