Minister of Education Naftali Bennett has decided students in the nation’s public schools will no longer be taken to see the play “A Parallel Time” in a Haifa theater. The play, written by Bashar Murkus, tells the story of Walid Daka, who was convicted of planning the murder of IDF soldier Moshe Tamam in 1984. Families of IDF soldiers were angered when the play was shown in April to coincide with Palestinian Prisoners Day.

The Haifa City Council funds the film to the tune of about 1 million NIS annually. The committee responsible for selecting the content seen by school children decided this play did not include anything offensive despite shouts of protests from the bereaved families. Bennett last week called on the committee to review its decision, explaining he cannot agree with funding a play that displays tolerance to the murder of IDF soldiers. He feels showing tolerance for the murder of soldiers is contrary to what he as Minister of Education should be doing.

Families are now calling on Minister of Sport & Culture Miri Regev to halt funding for the Haifa theater for agreeing to permit the play which turns a terrorist into a hero.

Ynet quotes theater manager Adnan Tarbasha, Midan saying “This is a political statement. I think Minister Bennett is mistaken. I would have expected from a minister who is meant to represent everyone to examine things thoroughly and see the play. After seeing it he would be able to say, ‘This play is inappropriate and I am dropping it’, or the opposite, but he should watch the play.”

Meretz Chairwoman MK Zahava Gal-On condemned Bennett’s decision stating “next time you will tell us what to think and what to see”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)