Shira Shapira Leaves Public Service to Join Yoaz Hendel and Hili Tropper’s Political Party

Shira Shapira, who managed heritage preservation in Israel’s Gaza envelope region and rebuilt the dental clinic in Kibbutz Be’eri, has resigned from her role as Deputy Director at the Ministry of Heritage after 20 years in public service. She is now entering politics by joining the party led by Yoaz Hendel and Hili Tropper. Shapira’s decision was deeply personal, inspired by the memory of her late son Enar Shapira, a national symbol who died heroically on October 7 while saving lives at a fortified post near Re’im.

Before announcing her resignation, Shapira visited her son’s grave at the military cemetery to seek guidance, describing a moment of clarity that led her to "jump into the water" and pursue a political path. Hendel, a close friend, emphasized that Shapira’s move is based on her two decades of professional experience and leadership, not solely on her personal loss.

Shapira’s family background is rooted in Jerusalem’s religious Zionist community, with a legacy of public service. Her husband Moshe and children Ariel and Ella expressed both pride and concern about her political future. Shapira herself stressed her commitment to growth through crisis and the responsibility she feels to influence Israeli society at a national level.

Following the October 7 tragedy, Shapira took on the mission of documenting and preserving the heritage of the Gaza envelope communities, including restoring sites damaged in the conflict. She highlighted the urgency of recording memories before they fade and criticized political leadership for failing to take responsibility after the attack.

Reflecting on her son’s bravery, Shapira said Enar would encourage her to pursue her truth fully and continue his legacy of protecting others. Holding a photo of Enar defending the post without a weapon, she described his words to comrades as a binding testament: "If I fall or get hurt, you continue after me." This commitment motivates her political engagement to improve the country and honor her son’s sacrifice.