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Gantz appoints Gateshead-educated diaspora minister

Omer Yankelevich's experience of the diaspora comes primarily from her Russian background and British education

May 15, 2020 09:38
Gateshead-educated Diaspora Minister Omer Yankelevich
1 min read

Blue and White leader Benny Gantz appointed Israel's new diaspora minister on Thursday, Gateshead-educated Omer Yankelevich.

Ms Yankelevich will be the first Charedi woman and the first Gateshead alumnus to serve in an Israeli ministerial position.

Ms Yankelevich was due to be sworn in on Thursday, but the ceremony has now been postponed to Sunday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked coalition partner Mr Gantz for a delay so as to complete the distribution of minsterial portfolios.  

Ms Yankelevich, 41, studied and taught at Gateshead seminary, before graduating as a lawyer in Israel and serving as a legal assistant in the Jerusalem courts system.