Eliyahu says opposition to Esti Schreiber exposes fear of religious leadership and Israel’s historic roots”
Minister Amichai Eliyahu addressed Jewish community leaders in New York at a special Channel 7 meeting led by Dr. Joe Frager, defending the appointment of Esti Schreiber as Director General of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Eliyahu said the Israel Antiquities Authority is responsible for preserving the history of the People of Israel and the Land of Israel, making the leadership appointment especially significant.
He argued that Schreiber is talented, experienced and professionally capable, including in major real estate dealings, but faced opposition because she is religious and wears a head covering.
According to Eliyahu, the criticism was not based on ability or administrative concerns, but on political and ideological hostility from those unwilling to support someone outside their camp.
He accused what he called the “deep state” of using petitions, the High Court, legal bureaucracy, civil service pressure and delay tactics to block right-wing appointments and undermine the will of Israeli voters.
Eliyahu said the deeper fear behind the opposition is that Israelis may reconnect with their Jewish roots, from the Baal Shem Tov and the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Baba Sali, King David and Abraham.
He concluded that the battle over Schreiber’s appointment reflects a broader struggle over Jewish identity, historical continuity and democratic authority in Israel.Minister Amichai Eliyahu addressed Jewish community leaders in New York at a special Channel 7 meeting led by Dr. Joe Frager, defending the appointment of Esti Schreiber as Director General of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Eliyahu said the Israel Antiquities Authority is responsible for preserving the history of the People of Israel and the Land of Israel, making the leadership appointment especially significant.
He argued that Schreiber is talented, experienced and professionally capable, including in major real estate dealings, but faced opposition because she is religious and wears a head covering.
According to Eliyahu, the criticism was not based on ability or administrative concerns, but on political and ideological hostility from those unwilling to support someone outside their camp.
He accused what he called the “deep state” of using petitions, the High Court, legal bureaucracy, civil service pressure and delay tactics to block right-wing appointments and undermine the will of Israeli voters.
Eliyahu said the deeper fear behind the opposition is that Israelis may reconnect with their Jewish roots, from the Baal Shem Tov and the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Baba Sali, King David and Abraham.
He concluded that the battle over Schreiber’s appointment reflects a broader struggle over Jewish identity, historical continuity and democratic authority in Israel.
