Title: Labor Party Chairman Calls for Cancellation of Arrangement with Yeshiva Headed by Rabbi Zvi Kostiner, Citing Support for Terrorism
Date: August 12, 2023
Photo: Yonatan Zindel / Flash90
Merav Michaeli, the chairman of the Labor Party, has launched a scathing attack on Rabbi Zvi Kostiner after he participated in a demonstration against the conditions of Amiram Ben Oliel’s imprisonment. Michaeli called on Defense Minister Yoav Galant to cancel the arrangement between the state and Mitzpe Ramon Yeshiva, which is headed by Rabbi Kostiner, because of his alleged support for terrorism.
The controversy began when Rabbi Zvi Kostiner attended a demonstration against the prison conditions of Amiram Ben Oliel, who stands accused of murdering the members of the Devabsha family. In response, Merav Michaeli took to Twitter and shared a photo of Rabbi Kostiner at the protest, accusing him of supporting terrorism. She wrote, “A senior rabbi from religious Zionism calls for the release of the terrorist who murdered the members of the Devabsha family. This is what the supporters of Jewish terrorism look like.”
Michaeli further criticized Rabbi Kostiner by highlighting his previous statements and actions. She said, “An inciting man full of poison who has previously called on his students to refuse to serve with women in the IDF. He also works against LGBT rights and pride parades in the city.” Additionally, she emphasized that the yeshiva headed by Rabbi Kostiner receives significant funding from the State of Israel.
In light of these allegations, Merav Michaeli urged Minister of Defense Yoav Galant to terminate the arrangement between the IDF and Mitzpe Ramon Yeshiva as long as Rabbi Zvi Kostiner is at its helm. She argued that the State of Israel and the IDF cannot be associated with individuals who support terrorism.
At present, Rabbi Kostiner has not yet responded to the accusations made by Merav Michaeli. The controversy surrounding his alleged support for terrorism and other contentious views raises questions about the relationship between religious institutions and the state in Israel.
The Ministry of Defense has not issued an official statement regarding Michaeli’s call to cancel the arrangement with Mitzpe Ramon Yeshiva, leaving it uncertain how the government will respond to her demands.
As this story unfolds, it is clear that the accusations made by Merav Michaeli against Rabbi Zvi Kostiner have sparked a heated debate among political and religious circles in Israel, highlighting the ongoing tensions and divergent opinions within the country.