Construction and Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf (UTJ) announced on Sunday that he would not participate in the Memorial Day ceremony at the Kiryat Gat military cemetery.
The minister was invited to the ceremony by the Kiryat Gat branch of Yad Labanim, a representative organization that commemorates the memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers. After bereaved families voiced their objection to the presence of the haredi minister at the ceremony, Goldknopf decided to forgo his attendance. Deputy Culture and Sports Minister Yaakov Tesler (UTJ) also announced that he would not be attending the ceremony in Be’er Tuvia.
“I had a strong will to respect the memories of the fallen, to say a chapter of Psalms in their memories, and to say a few words about them and to their dear families,” Goldknopf wrote in his letter.
“But I was notified that along with those bereaved families who wanted my attendance as a representative of the government, there are bereaved families that will be uncomfortable. It isn’t right, but I prefer not to hurt their feelings.”
Goldknopf added: “I’m not interested in acting, G-d forbid as an excuse to disturb such a special and significant day. Therefore, during the ceremony, I will go to the western wall and will say Psalms in memory of the fallen and will pray that the Creator will bring peace on us and on all of Israel.”
Minister May Golan (Likud) also announced that she would not take part in the Memorial Day ceremony in Rishon Lezion following criticism by bereaved families of the fact that she did not serve in the IDF. Minister Meir Porush (UTJ) will represent the government at the ceremony at the Hurfeish Regional Council.