Einav Zangauker became one of the most well-known mothers of hostages this year. She is leading numerous demonstrations to demand that the government do everything, at any cost, to free the hostages.
On several occasions, she explicitly accused the government and the Prime Minister of being solely responsible for the fact that her son, Matan, and the other hostages were still in the hands of Hamas.
Present every week in the Knesset, Einav Zangauker also fights on this stage to make his voice heard.
On several occasions, she was called to order because her attitude exceeded the rules of conduct inside the Knesset. Today, she was told that she would no longer be allowed to enter the Israeli parliament grounds because of her behavior.
The Knesset spokesperson explained: “She was denied entry because despite her repeated promises, she continued to seriously violate Knesset rules. She prevented the proper conduct of debates in committees, tried to throw a glass bottle at a visitor, and if that was not enough she threatened, in the presence of a Knesset security officer, the same visitor with a knife. This is unacceptable behavior and cannot be tolerated in the precincts of Parliament. Despite the commitment made not to repeat these acts, they unfortunately happen again each time. Therefore, it was decided to deny him access to the Knesset. This decision was made to him personally during a conversation with the Commander of the Knesset during which it was made clear to him that there was no other alternative. The Knesset will continue to surround the families of the hostages while ensuring respect for rules, order and the well-being of visitors.”
-Einav Zangauker reacted to this decision: “Coalition members are trying to silence the families of the hostages. What is the logic in banning me from entering when my son was kidnapped under the mandate of these 120 deputies? They are afraid to hear what the hostages are going through while they pass budgets and distribute jobs among themselves. Our children are tortured and raped in Hamas jails and they prevent us from crying out our pain, ending the war and reaching a comprehensive agreement that would save them.”
Opposition MPs came to the defense of Matan’s mother. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said: “The decision to restrict the action of Einav Zangauker, the mother of the hostage Matan, and to prevent her from accessing the Knesset is a shameful decision. The Speaker of the Knesset, the ministers and the coalition MPs must hear what she has to say and bring her son back and not pose as victims like a bunch of cowards.”
Labor MK Naama Lazimi added: “Instead of preventing a hostage mother who is trying to save her son from entering the Knesset, we must bar entry to those who abandon the hostages, the heartless and without values. Afterwards they light the Hanukkah candles, sing and talk about miracles and unity. Cynical hypocrites. They are a stain on the state.”
The Knesset’s decision was also condemned by the hostage families’ headquarters.
