"This is inappropriate and I will let the college know. This
is a Jewish state and such a thing is unconscionable,"
Education Minister L. Livnat told the Knesset in response to
a question posed by MK Finkelstein (NRP) after Oranim College
erected a Christmas Tree on the campus as Christmas
approached.
The college was heavily censured by the Knesset when it
brought in a Christmas tree last year and this year even a
Shinui representative joined in the denunciations.
MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni expressed surprise that at an all Jewish
institution the students chose to display a Christian symbol
rather than a Jewish one. "Is this a failure on the part of
the Education Ministry?" he asked Minister Livnat.
MK Finkelstein noted that no menorah had been put on display
during Chanukah. "Even if there are Christians at the college
it does not justify placing a Christian symbol in a public
area at a Jewish, government school that turns out teachers,"
she said.
MK Shalgi (Shinui) expressed surprise the Education Ministry
does not have a clear position on the issue. He noted that
when the matter was discussed during a meeting last year the
Education Ministry did not take a stance.
