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The announcement that American conservative commentator Ben Shapiro will participate in the main ceremony marking the 77th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the State of Israel has caused a wave of criticism in Israeli society. On Sunday, Minister of Transport and Culture Miri Regev, who is responsible for organising the celebration, announced that Shapiro will be honoured with the lighting of one of the torches on Mount Herzl, one of the most important state ceremonies of the year. This was reported by Walla!
“Ben is one of the world’s most prominent defenders of the State of Israel. He has demonstrated uncompromising support for Israel, the justness of its position and its right to defend itself,” Regev said.
However, the decision provoked a strong reaction from a number of NGOs, including those protecting the rights of women and the LGBTQ community.
Criticism: “This is a humiliation of women and LGBTQ soldiers”
Iggy, an organisation that works with LGBTQ youth, condemned Shapiro’s participation:
“It is quite logical that the honour will be given on behalf of the Knesset Speaker to the person who called us mentally ill. Once again, young members of the community will hear that this is how their own state treats them. We call for the cancellation of this shameful decision.”
The Israeli Women’s Lobby called Shapiro’s participation “an insult to all women”:
“It is impossible to celebrate freedom by giving a platform to a person who denies our right to control our own bodies. We demand that Minister Regev reconsider her decision.”
Shapiro is known for his radical conservative stance on a number of social issues: he actively opposes abortion, even in cases of rape or incest, calling it an “act of violence” and women who have it “child killers”. In the past, he has also referred to homosexuality as a “mental disorder”.
“Independence Day should not turn into an ideological demonstration”
In a statement, the LGBTQ Association of Israel called Shapiro’s choice “a shame that clearly demonstrates the values of the current government, which has chosen to glorify a man who rejects the rights of women and the LGBTQ community.” The organisation stressed that the gesture was particularly painful in the context of the ceremony taking place the day after Memorial Day for fallen Israeli soldiers, including LGBTQ soldiers.
At the time of publication, the Ministry of Culture had not commented on the demands to cancel Shapiro’s invitation. However, a heated debate has already broken out in Israeli society over whether a person with similar views can represent the state at one of its holiest ceremonies.
