Itay Turgeman's "Jewish Model" Remarks Spark Morning TV Debate
Actor Itay Turgeman's description of his traditional household division of labor as the "Jewish model" sparked a debate on morning TV between Dana Zarmon and Nesli Barda.
In the latest episode of "MKtv VIP" broadcast on Monday, actor Itay Turgeman shared how responsibilities are divided between him and his wife, Talia, describing it as what he calls the "Jewish model." This description sparked a swift debate on morning television.
The Criticism on Morning TV
Appearing on the morning news on Tuesday, media personality Dana Zarmon sharply criticized Turgeman's remarks. "This is not the Jewish model, this is a chauvinistic model," Zarmon stated, while adding a caveat: "As long as it works for them, it's their business; we cannot enter anyone else's home or judge their personal decisions. However, when you try to reduce it to 'a man does X and a woman does Y,' it never works."
Host Nesli Barda also weighed in on the discussion, emphasizing that relationship dynamics are deeply personal rather than bound by rigid ideological templates. Zarmon agreed, noting that staying home to raise children is just as much demanding labor as earning a living in an office.
Turgeman's Explanation
During the televised episode, Turgeman explained his household dynamic: "I work and she is at home. This continues as long as she is happy, fulfilled, and feels a sense of meaning in what she does—it's her choice. We do have a division of labor: I worry about making a living and feel responsible for that part, just as I am not worried about the status of diapers or formula at the moment, which is her domain. We follow the ancient Jewish model, you could say we are a bit primitive, but I like it."
