Father of Freed Hostage Explodes at Israel’s Education Minister: “Scum of Humanity”

Israel’s Education Minister Yoav Kisch came under fire Sunday after playing loud music while bereaved families of October 7 victims attempted to speak outside his residence.

Eli Albag, father of freed hostage Liri Albag — an IDF observer kidnapped by Hamas and held in Gaza for 477 days — launched a furious tirade against the minister on live television. “You are the disgrace of humanity,” Albag shouted. “You played music in the face of a mother who lost both of her daughters. Shame on you.”

Among the protesters was Sigalit Manzuri, who lost her daughters Roya and Norel in the “death shelter” near Re’im on October 7. She joined hundreds outside Kisch’s home, demanding accountability.

Kisch responded by accusing the demonstrators of being part of a long-running campaign to topple the government, saying: “For over a year, these same protesters have come to my doorstep, cursing my wife and children. Their sole purpose is political. I will not back down.”

The clash adds to growing tensions between grieving families and members of Israel’s leadership, raising public outrage over the government’s handling of the war, the hostages, and the deepening rift inside Israeli society.