Tension in the government again: Education Minister Yifat Shasha Bitton’s decision not to award the Israel Prize to Professor Oded Goldreich due to his support for the boycott of Ariel University today (Thursday) provoked a storm in the government and drew much criticism from its members against the controversial decision.
Among the critics was Minister of Environmental Protection Tamar Zandberg of Meretz, who told Ben Caspit and Winon Magal on 103FM that in her opinion the minister was wrong and even wondered about her authority to cancel the award contrary to the court’s decision. “I think the minister is unfortunately wrong and is acting contrary to the position of the court. I do not see that she has the authority to deny a prize for achievements in mathematics because of political opinions and it is a pity to get involved with this event again.”
Zandberg added: “The award is not an award for a political position but for achievements in mathematics, and the committee thought he deserved the award. It is inconceivable that the State of Israel would punish him by censoring his political views.”
Meretz faction chairman MK Michal Rosin was also among those who opposed the decision and wrote on her Twitter account: “The Israel Prize is given for academic excellence, not for political positions. My dear government – where is the change?”.
MK Musi Raz said: “I spoke with Professor Goldreich and expressed to him that I was relieved by the decision of the Minister of Education. Their place is that the Minister of Education in the government of change continues in the path of the government of persecution and corruption. Professor Goldreich is a world-renowned scientist and has been duly nominated for the Israel Prize by a professional committee. “Political persecution against him for his support for peace denies him the prize.”
As stated, according to Shasha Bitton, the decision stems from Professor Goldreich’s signature on a petition calling for a boycott of Ariel University: An Israeli academic, “she said.
Former Education Minister Yoav Galant has stated that the award will not be presented to Professor Goldreich, despite the decision of the selection committee. The High Court overturned Galant’s decision, but after the change of government, the High Court ruled that the new minister would have to decide the case and this morning she announced her decision.
.