The Heschel Center for Sustainability, a key knowledge hub for Israel’s environmental movement, has faced an unexpected setback after Education Minister Yoav Kisch decided to freeze funding for its climate crisis training program. The center, which has facilitated various environmental education initiatives, successfully conducted a program called “Tevel” for senior Education Ministry officials aimed at equipping them with essential climate knowledge to pass on to students. However, right-wing media scrutiny, particularly from Channel 14, accused the program of promoting leftist agendas based on its affiliations and alumni, leading Kisch to withdraw support.
Despite appeals from senior ministry officials who had participated in the program, Kisch ultimately announced its cancellation without substantial explanation. Meanwhile, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman has also halted funding for environmental organizations, claiming budget constraints, though critics argue the real motive aligns with right-wing biases against what they term “leftist NGOs.” This political war against environmentalism is exacerbated as the government increasingly frames ecological concerns in partisan terms.
Amidst these developments, serious environmental issues, including waste burning contributing significantly to carcinogenic emissions, continue to worsen. A recent report highlights that ongoing conflicts have severely impacted public health and the environment, illustrating a growing disconnect between the government’s actions and its responsibility to protect the environment amidst the escalating climate crisis.
