Fourteen students of the nation’s public school system on Sunday, took part in the Pirkei Avos contest finals. Three of the finalists were awarded the first place slot.

Education Minister Gideon Saar introduced the competition in the nation’s public schools in the hope of increasing the knowledge of students regarding their Yiddishkheit, doing so under the banner of Israeli Culture and Heritage. The general header also covers portions of the curriculum addressing the history of modern Zionism and other subject matter seeking to bring students to a minimal understanding of their Jewish roots.

The minister was present for the finals in the competition and he addressed the event, citing the importance of learning Pirkei Avos. His remarks were met with disapproval in the political left-wing, including Meretz Party leader MK Zahava Gal-On, who is quoted by NRG as saying, “another unfortunate statement by the minister”.

Gal-On explained it is most unfortunate that Saar views the education system as a political forum to promote his ideas while the public school system is plagued by increasing violence. She apparently sees no connection between the lack of Torah and Pirkei Avos and the continuing increase in student violence in the nation’s public schools.

Gal-On was joined by MK Dov Hanin of the Hadash Party, who stated “I personally am very fond of Pirkei Avos but suggest that we do not view them as a magical solution to the problem of violence”. He continued by stressing the need to increase our education of the young against violence, to simply instill these correct values in the nation’s young.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)