Social Equality Minister Mai Golan Reflects on Harsh Childhood and Political Rise

Minister for Social Equality and Advancement of Women Mai Golan gave a candid interview to Channel 14, sharing details about her difficult upbringing in South Tel Aviv. She described growing up in extreme poverty with a single mother reliant on social welfare, facing violence, loneliness, and systemic prejudice. Golan recounted how school authorities doubted her potential, with one principal accusing her of drug dealing after missing a day of school.

At age nine, Golan wrote a poem about poverty that was broadcast on Dan Shilon's show, leading to her transfer to a prestigious school where she endured bullying and humiliation due to her background. These experiences shaped her resilient character and motivated her to work from a young age to support her family and lift them out of poverty.

Golan also spoke about a complicated relationship with actress Gila Almagor, who she said adopted her in a patronizing way after a TV appearance, causing feelings of alienation. Her activism against illegal immigration in South Tel Aviv propelled her into politics, initially with support from Otzma Yehudit and later through the Likud primaries.

She expressed disillusionment with traditional public service and emphasized that right-wing politicians must fight uncompromisingly for their positions. Despite personal challenges and a sense of persecution, Golan views her Knesset membership as a vital mission. She praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership while acknowledging the personal costs and hopes to start her own family soon.