Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Zenger
Zenger
Lifestyle
JNS Reporter

Orthodox Jewish Parlimentarian Insults Israeli Singer Noa Kirel Apperance At Eurovision

Member of Knesset Moshe Gafni sparked a backlash by insulting popular singer and Israel’s recent representative to the Eurovision Song Contest, Noa Kirel, on Monday.

“I would donate some clothes for her to have,” said Gafni, a leader of United Torah Judaism, an ultra-Orthodox party. He was apparently referencing the skimpy outfits Kirel wears during her performances.

Gafni, who heads the Knesset Finance Committee, spoke during a Knesset debate on the budget. The opposition has leveled criticism at the coalition for overfunding haredi institutions.

Gafni referred to a school his granddaughter attends. “All the core subjects are studied there and she works in high-tech. But there are people sitting here who say she doesn’t deserve it…. She learns not only the core curriculum, chemistry, algebra, she also learns about Judaism. And still receives only half the budget [per pupil that state schools get]. Why?” he said.

He added that she didn’t learn about Kirel. “So what? Because of that she doesn’t deserve a budget?” he asked.

Gafni’s comments elicited swift pushback from opposition voices.

The financing to improve the Western Wall plaza’s infrastructure and promote trips there was authorized by the Israeli Cabinet on Sunday. JNS

MK Meirav Ben-Ari of the Yesh Atid Party said, “MK Gafni made a repulsive comment directed at Noa Kirel…. And I ask you, why does he even interfere with what Noa wears? Why is it his business?”

Hagit Pe’er, who heads Na’amat, a women’s organization affiliated with the Labor Zionist movement, said, “While Noa Kirel represents the beautiful face of Israel to the world, Gafni makes sure that he reminds the world of the darkness we won’t allow here. Noa—you are amazing, strong and empowering. You’ll probably get along just fine without Gafni.”

Kirel finished third in the Eurovision final on May 13.

Produced in association with Jewish News Syndicate

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.