Former Labor Ministry CEO Ta'ir Ifergan Joins Eisenkot's Party

Ta'ir Ifergan, one of the most senior figures in Israel’s public service and a former director general of the Labor Ministry, announced today, Wednesday, that she is joining the “Yashar!” party led by Gadi Eisenkot. Ifergan currently serves as CEO of the Philanthropic Funds Partnership for the Development and Growth of the North and the South, a body established after October 7. With her move, she joins a list of senior figures who have already joined the party, including former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, senior economist Shaul Meridor, former minister Matan Kahana, and former MK and former minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen.

Over the past decade, Ifergan has led significant reforms in the employment market, including integrating ultra-Orthodox Jews into the workforce and upgrading the system of technological colleges and vocational training in both routine and emergency periods. In 2021, she was appointed director general of the Labor Ministry, a role in which she managed the adaptation of the labor market to the post-COVID reality and pushed for changes to labor laws in Israel, including advancing hybrid models and reducing regulation. For her work over the years, which also included service on boards of directors and in various key positions, Ifergan was selected for TheMarker and Globes’ influential people lists.

Eisenkot said: “Ta'ir is an example and a model of the public service that the State of Israel needs, and she represents the best of professional and state leadership. She brings uncompromising professional backbone, an economic vision, and honest leadership.” Eisenkot added that at a time when the public service is undergoing unprecedented turmoil and attacks, Ifergan will be part of the leadership that will lead the rebuilding of Israel’s public service, “for a strong, honest, and professional service that sees only the good of Israel’s citizens.”

Ifergan said: “The State of Israel is at an internal breaking point that requires us to return professionalism, integrity, and long-term vision to the center of government action. Throughout my path, I have believed that the professional echelon must serve as the backbone of the state, hold up a mirror, sound the alarm when necessary, and work solely for the public.” According to her, the move into politics alongside Eisenkot stems from the understanding that at this time, measured leadership is needed, “one that will know how to rebuild state systems, mend the rifts in society, and lead Israel to economic and social safe harbor.”

Ifergan, 46, was born in Ramla, is married, and has three daughters. She is a graduate of the “Atidim for the Public Sector” program, a fellow in the Maof leadership network, and previously served in the IDF as a company commander for recruits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations and a master’s degree in public policy.