Bereaved families are planning to block government ministers from attending next week”s Memorial Day ceremonies at cemeteries in Israel, Kan 11 News reported on Friday.
According to the report, Moshav Be’er Tuvia, which is located in southern Israel, has informed the Ministry of Defense and the government secretariat that if Deputy Minister Yaakov Tesler arrives at the local cemetery on Memorial Day, they will close the entrance to him.
Other bereaved families sent a message to the government secretariat that they will block the arrival of ministers to cemeteries in several cities, including Be’er Sheva – where Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is expected to arrive, Ness Ziona – where Minister Galit Distel Atbaryan is expected to arrive, Ra’anana – where Deputy Minister Michal Woldiger is expected to arrive, and Rehovot – where Minister Moshe Arbel is scheduled to attend.
Officials in the government told Kan 11 News that they received messages from the bereaved families, who said that if every government representative is accompanied by a representative from the opposition – it will contribute to calming the spirits. Minister Orit Strock from the Religious Zionist Party said on Friday that she supports this idea.
Meanwhile, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri asked members of his party to keep a low profile during visits to the cemeteries and “contain provocations”, according to the report.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday released a video statement calling for unity during Memorial Day, which will be observed starting on Monday night.
Also on Thursday, MK Gideon Sa’ar commented on the intentions of the protest organizations to protest in the cemeteries against right-wing politicians who will attend Memorial Day ceremonies next week.
“I want to conclude by asking for something that may be controversial, but I say what I think everywhere, and I think it’s important. Next week we will mark Memorial Day. It is very important to preserve the sanctity of this day and to keep the huge disagreement between us outside of the cemeteries because in the end we are obligated to honor this day and unite around the legacy and respect for the fallen of the IDF,” said Sa’ar.
On Friday, Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, opposition chairman Yair Lapid and National Unity leader MK Benny Gantz signed a joint call to keep politics out of any Memorial Day services in cemeteries.
(Israel National News’ North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)
