The figure chosen for schools sparks controversy - and now comes the ultimatum

The "State Education Guard" organization demands that Education Minister Yoav Kisch cancel the selection of Rabbi Hanan Porat as the State Religious Education figure for the 2026-2027 school year, citing prohibited political affiliation. The organization issued a seven-day ultimatum and threatened legal action if not heeded.

The "State Education Guard" organization published a sharp letter to Education Minister Yoav Kisch, demanding the cancellation of the decision to select the late Rabbi Hanan Porat as the State Religious Education figure for the 2026-2027 school year. The organization claims that the decision, made against the backdrop of an election year, creates a prohibited political link between the state education system and the Religious Zionism party. The letter details personal and historical connections: Rabbi Porat was a founder of the "Tekuma" party, from which Religious Zionism, led by Minister Bezalel Smotrich, emerged. The organization cites an election campaign from April 2019 in which Smotrich used Porat's image with the caption "This is our energy," as well as a 2025 statement in which Smotrich described Porat as a teacher and leader. The organization warns that this violates the State Education Law, which prohibits political propaganda in schools, and the Elections Law, which prohibits using public resources for propaganda. The organization issued a seven-day ultimatum for a response and threatened petitions to the Attorney General, the State Comptroller, and the courts if not heeded.