Fearing election propaganda: will Knesset members be barred from schools?

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1, marks the opening of the school year, as over 2 million students return to educational institutions and schools hold festive events. During the election period, many candidates seek to use this day to meet potential voters and share content on social media.

However, according to Knesset member Gilad Kariv (The Democrats), chairman of the Committee for Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs, Minister of Education Yoav Kisch is preventing him from visiting a school where immigrant students study. Kariv notes that this occurs while Minister Kisch himself intends to visit educational institutions for photo opportunities. Following this, he appealed to the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Solberg, asking:

"Why are Knesset members forbidden from visiting schools at the opening of the school year due to fears of election propaganda, but the Minister of Education is allowed to do so?"

In his letter to the committee chairman, Kariv stated: "I was informed by the Minister of Education's office that due to the election period, it was determined that Knesset members would not be allowed to visit educational institutions on the day of the opening of the school year. Yet, it was reported that the Minister of Education himself is expected to visit an educational institution on that day as part of his duties." Kariv complained about the double standard, noting that the minister is also an incumbent politician running in the upcoming elections.

He requested that Judge Solberg clarify the matter: "If the law indeed prevents the entry of public representatives into educational institutions for fear of election propaganda, then the ban must also apply to the Minister of Education and the Prime Minister."

The office of Minister of Education Yoav Kisch stated: "The matter is under review and the decision will be made in coordination with the Central Elections Committee."

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Forum of Supervised Daycare Centers appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ministers with a sharp message:

"If you intend to arrive at daycare centers at the opening of the school year just to be photographed with toddlers and caregivers - it is better that you do not come. We do not need festive pictures. We need leadership, decisions, and actions."

According to the Forum, more than 20,000 toddlers are expected to stay at home due to a severe shortage of educators. They emphasized that caregivers need the ability to earn a living with dignity, not another photo opportunity.