Education Minister Prof. Yuli Tamir lost her cool in the Knesset plenum on Tuesday, leading to the minister releasing statements in a language unbefitting an elected official, yet alone a minister and education minister at that.

Tamir issued a scathing criticism against MK (Kadima) Ronit Tirosh, a former director-general of the Education Ministry, stating “I am cleaning out the trash you left me in the system,” leading to Tirosh accusing the minister of calling her vulgar laungage.

The exchange of words led to a heated argument surrounding the Ofek Chadash (New Horizon) education reform plan.

National Religious Party leader Zevulun Orlev called on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to dismiss Tamir, stating there is no room for a cabinet minister, especially the education minister, to publicly express herself using unacceptable language. Orlev compared her language to what one might hear in the shuk, calling it absolutely unacceptable.

“It is such an embarrassing event, so upsetting, seeing the minister of education express herself in such an unacceptable fashion, and tomorrow, the very same person will address students and is responsible for setting an example for them,” stated Orlev.

He went on to explain that because of her government position, she is not able to rectify the damage and there is no alternative to her stepping down from her post immediately.

Orlev is hopeful the Knesset Ethics Committee will act towards compelling her to step down from her cabinet post.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)