Education Minister Yoav Kish is putting pressure on the Ministry of Finance to change the Library Law and insert a clause in the Arrangements Law according to which the person who decides on appointments to the National Library will be the Minister of Education himself.
Currently, the person holding the position of rector is Shai Nitzan, former state attorney, and there is a fear that this was done with the aim of removing him from the position.
Former state attorney - Shai Nitzan, photo: Uri Lentz
Following the publication, the National Library claimed that its future was in danger.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Library, Sally Meridor claims that: "The demand to change the law unique to the National Library, which has been maintained in the status quo for about two decades, is a real threat to the continued existence of the treasure of the Jewish people for generations." He warns that the intention is to make a fundamental change in the law of the National Library constitutes a real threat to the continued existence of the institution.
According to his words: "The attempt to change the law that was enacted specifically and by broad consensus, without consulting with the professional bodies and the other owners of the library and its partners to change a law that was enacted specifically and by majority consensus, is a gross interference that threatens the continued existence of the National Library - the treasure of the Jewish people for generations and the cradle of Israeli culture." .
In his sharp response, he claimed that: "It is forbidden for the library to be held hostage by any political entity whatsoever, this was the intention of the legislator. Damage to the independence of the National Library is damage to the national heritage, and to the library's ability to continue enjoying the vital support of the many supporters, in Israel and in the Diaspora, who donate privately their treasures and money in order to ensure the continued existence of this very important national institution."
The National Library emphasizes that the proposed change in the National Library Law will cause irreparable damage to the library's status and damage to private contributions essential to its continued functioning.
The expected moving project of the library to its new location, alongside the Knesset of Israel, may also be affected due to the proposed changes in the law.
The National Library of Israel was founded in 1892, as a world center for preserving the spiritual treasures of the Jewish people.
In 2007, the Knesset of Israel enacted the National Library Law granting it independent status by law, this in order to document the cultural creation in the State of Israel and provide free access to the general public to the unique collections housed there.
In recent years, private donations totaling about one billion shekels have been given to the National Library.
The library is now warning that if the donations stop, it will be in real danger for its continued existence.
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