Alexandra Krushinsky Criticizes Histadrut Chair Arnon Bar-David Following Her Dismissal

Alexandra Krushinsky, former chairwoman of the Histadrut's Academic Union for Social Sciences and Humanities (Machar), spoke out on Monday about her recent dismissal from the position. In an interview on Kan News and Reshet Bet's "Kalman Liverman" program, she criticized Histadrut Chair Arnon Bar-David, accusing him of demanding total compliance and claiming she refused to align with his directives. Krushinsky highlighted a key dispute involving her refusal to work with insurance agent Ezra Gabai, a central figure in a corruption scandal within the Histadrut. She stated that despite meeting Gabai as requested, she and Machar members ultimately rejected his services.

Krushinsky also expressed disagreement with a wage agreement signed in the local government sector, which she felt favored managerial ranks but was less beneficial for Machar members, advocating for better terms for academic workers. She described Bar-David's 2024 decision to form a committee to review Machar's activities and powers as an attempt to reduce and dismantle the union, which she opposed strongly.

Emphasizing the importance of democracy, Krushinsky insisted that the decision on her leadership should rest with the voting public. In response, the Histadrut rejected her claims as false and misleading, asserting that serious misconduct under her management prompted the investigation and justified her dismissal. The interview was seen by the Histadrut as an attempt to divert attention from the reasons behind her removal.

This controversy unfolds amid a broader corruption scandal within the Histadrut, where tens of millions of shekels have been seized, and Bar-David has stated he would resign if indicted.