‘Horowitz works hardest to separate religion, state’

Study by Open Knesset website and the Reform Movement’s Center for Religion and State says Meretz MK works hardest at separation.

By LAHAV HARKOV
nitzan horowitz 311 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
nitzan horowitz 311
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Nitzan Horowitz (Meretz) is the Knesset member who works hardest to separate religion and state, according to a study by the Open Knesset website and the Reform Movement’s Center for Religion and State released on Monday.
The ranking is based on 30 “significant votes” by MKs on bills, no-confidence motions and motions to the agenda regarding religion and the government.
One such vote, initiated by Horowitz, was on a bill proposing public transportation in all cities on Saturdays.
Other measures included in the ranking concern the Chief Rabbinate, the rabbinical courts and civil marriage.
MK Dov Henin (Hadash) came in second place, followed by MKs Meir Sheetrit (Kadima), Ilan Gilon (Meretz) and Marina Solodkin (Kadima).
MK Meshulam Nahari (Shas), a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, came in last place, with MK Avraham Michaeli (Shas) ranked second-to-last.
According to a ranking by faction, Meretz leads efforts to separate religion and state, followed by Kadima and Hadash. United Torah Judaism is last, with Shas one ranking higher.
Horowitz told The Jerusalem Post that separation of religion and state is the issue that is most important to him. “I’m proud that my hard work is reflected by the numbers,” he said.
Noa Satat, chairwoman of the Reform Movement’s Center for Religion and State, said the list will put an end to empty campaign promises and allow for full transparency.
“The public is waking up and wants to know which MKs are really working for their causes,” Open Knesset manager Ofri Raviv said. He called for other organizations to publicize rankings on lawmakers’ activities.
Open Knesset gathers information about MKs and their bills’ progress, and is affiliated with the Public Knowledge Workshop NGO.