Finance Ministry recommends to shut down Diaspora Ministry

The Israeli government is considering the closure of several ministries, including the Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Ministry, as reported by Hebrew economic media.

This move is part of a broader plan proposed by the Finance Ministry to reallocate funds amid ongoing military engagements.

The Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry, known for its crucial role in maintaining and strengthening the connections between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, is among the six ministries earmarked for closure.

Concerns within the diaspora

This decision has sparked significant concern within the global Jewish diaspora, who view the ministry as a vital link to the Israeli state.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has been at the forefront of this budgetary reshuffling. Despite the urgency to adjust fiscal policies due to the war, Smotrich is reportedly delaying the decision to partially freeze coalition funds.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen at a press conference, at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, on January 25, 2023. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) — Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen at a press conference, at the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem, on January 25, 2023. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Last week, he announced a plan to partially cut the coalition funds for 2023, diverging from the recommendation of his office’s budget division to cut the funds entirely.

The minister is expected to bring the budget amendment to the government next week for approval before it proceeds to legislation.

Further emphasizing the government’s focus on war funding, Gali Baharav Miara, the government’s legal advisor, ruled that non-war-related coalition funds would be frozen. This ruling potentially reallocates resources initially intended for political agreements to the war effort.

The proposed is the closure of the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, along with five additional ministries: Jerusalem Affairs, Heritage, Settlement and National Missions, Regional Cooperation, and Social Equality.

Jews in the Diaspora have raised USD billions since the October 7 massacre in Israel.

The Jewish Federations of North America’s drive to provide emergency relief has reached $638 million during last week, $175 million of which has already been allocated to the most pressing needs on the ground through nearly 300 partner organizations and NGOs.