The head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency, David Zini, is reportedly reviewing several long-standing internal programs, including educational visits to Holocaust sites in Poland and the organization’s annual Pride Month activities.
According to Israeli broadcaster N12, the discussions have prompted debate within the agency over how employees should be taught historical lessons and how internal events should be organized.
Poland Delegations Under Consideration
N12 reported that Zini held meetings this week in which officials examined whether future delegations to Poland should continue.
The trips have traditionally allowed Shin Bet personnel to visit former Nazi concentration camps and deepen their understanding of the Holocaust through firsthand experience.
During the reported discussions, Zini questioned the necessity of conducting such educational programs abroad, reportedly saying that values are not acquired “on foreign soil.”
Shin Bet Stresses Commitment to Holocaust Remembrance
Following the media report, the Shin Bet issued a statement emphasizing that preserving the memory of the Holocaust remains an important priority for the organization.
The agency confirmed that the future of the Poland delegations is currently under review, adding that the matter is being considered alongside a range of ethical factors.
Officials also rejected what they described as selective leaks from internal discussions, arguing that such reports undermine open dialogue within the organization.
Focus Shifts Toward Lessons From October 7
In its statement, the Shin Bet revealed that Zini has instructed officials to examine the creation of an educational program within Israel centered on communities surrounding Gaza.
According to the agency, the proposed initiative would serve as part of an institutional effort to reflect on the failures surrounding the October 7 attacks and ensure that lessons from those events become part of the organization’s future training and culture.
Pride Month Activities Also Reportedly Canceled
The review of internal programs comes after N12 reported last week that Zini had canceled the Shin Bet’s planned Pride Month event.
Sources cited by the broadcaster said preparations for the annual gathering were already well underway before organizers were informed that it would not proceed.
No official explanation for the decision was reportedly provided at the time.
Additional Pride-Related Plans Allegedly Halted
According to the report, several other Pride-themed initiatives were also shelved.
These reportedly included displaying Pride-themed banners on internal computer systems, distributing commemorative stickers, and displaying Pride flags during planned events.
N12 further reported that the head of the agency’s human resources division was instructed to transfer funds that had been allocated for Pride Month activities into the organization’s general budget.
No Official Comment on Pride Decisions
While the Shin Bet publicly addressed reports concerning the Poland delegations and Holocaust education, it has not publicly detailed the reasons behind the reported cancellation of Pride-related programming.
The reported decisions mark some of the first significant internal policy changes attributed to Zini since assuming leadership of the security agency and have drawn attention to the direction of the organization’s internal culture and educational priorities.
