Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly has slammed the Education Minister’s visit to Israel, saying it undermines his role and betrays trust.
Paul Givan’s trip to Israel undermines the integrity of his role as Education Minister and betrays the trust of parents, teachers, and pupils across Northern Ireland. This was not a fact-finding mission—it was a politically charged excursion that stokes division at a time when unity and compassion are desperately needed.
As Deputy Leader of Aontú, a teacher, and a parent, I am compelled to speak out against the deeply troubling decision by Education Minister Paul Givan to accept an invitation from the Israeli government for a so-called “fact-finding” mission. The trip, funded by the Israeli Embassy, raises serious ethical and professional concerns—concerns that go far beyond party politics.
The role of Education Minister is not ceremonial. It is a position of profound responsibility, one that demands moral clarity, educational vision, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of our children. Mr. Givan’s decision to travel to a region currently under international scrutiny for alleged breaches of humanitarian law—including the destruction of schools and the denial of education to children—flies in the face of everything that role should represent.
If the Minister truly sought to learn about inclusive education or best practice for gifted pupils, he would have found ample opportunity in countries like Finland, Canada, or Singapore—nations renowned for their innovation, equity, and child-centred approaches. Instead, he chose to align himself with a government accused of genocide, and to publicise that visit on official departmental channels.
This is not just a political misstep—it is a betrayal of trust. As a teacher, I know the sacrifices made daily in classrooms across this island. As a parent, I know the hopes we hold for our children’s future. And as a public representative, I know that leadership must be rooted in integrity, not ideology.
We must ask: what message does this send to our children? That education is a tool for propaganda? That international law can be ignored if the itinerary is compelling? That the suffering of children elsewhere is secondary to political optics?
If Mr. Givan cannot recognise the gravity of his actions, apologise and recommit to the values his office demands, then he should resign his position with immediate effect and allow someone to take over who can restore integrity to such an important role.
Aontú stands firmly for educational integrity and for the protection of all children—here and abroad. We call on the Minister to reflect, retract, and realign his priorities with the needs of our young people, not the agendas of foreign governments.”
ENDS
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