Bar-On speaks at conference
Photo: Zeev Trachtman
Asher Galili is escorted out
Photo: Zeev Trachtman
Protestor to Bar-On: You're taking food from my children
Finance minister greeted at Sderot conference by demonstrators protesting withdrawal of gov't funds from copper mines. 'You are being sold illusions about cash hoards,' minister tells public
Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On spoke Tuesday at a society conference in Sderot, but was interrupted by a resident of Eilat, who accused Bar-On was "stealing food" from his children.
The offender was unceremoniously discharged from the hall, and the minister continued his speech.
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The disturbance was preceded by a protest held by dozens of demonstrators, who greeted Bar-On in the city. Most of the participants were copper miners from the Timna mines, who were protesting the Finance Ministry's decision to terminate government funding for their place of employment.
The protestors were ignored by the minister, who offered no comment on his way to the conference hall.
The worker who interrupted Bar-On's speech, Asher Galili, told Ynet that the finance minister had promised he would fund the mines and their 600 employees. "Now, because of Bar-On's decision not to fund them all the employees will be fired," he said.
During his speech, Bar-On attempted to ward off criticism towards his ministry for its manner of handling the financial crisis, and disparaged "politicians who, because of their interests, are creating an atmosphere of panic."
The minister told the public, "You are being sold illusions about cash hoards that have piled up, and fear is being added so that whoever is elected will become the savior. During election season there are no rules. The goal is to be elected, and all means are kosher, even if the price is paid by the economy and the Israeli people."
Ilana Curiel contributed to this report
