Minister of Science, Technology and Space Ofir Akunis took office

Yesterday, the ministerial exchange ceremony was held in Jerusalem, Akunis: I believe in entrepreneurship and innovation as a way to reduce social gaps

In a solemn ceremony that took place this morning, September 3, at the Ministry of Science, Minister Ofir Akunis assumed the position of Minister of Science, Technology and Space. Minister Akunis replaced Danny Danon who finished his post after being elected Israel's ambassador to the UN.

Minister Akunis wished the outgoing Minister Danon success in the new and challenging arena and said on the occasion of his assumption of office: "I came to work hard for all the citizens of the country, as I have done in other places as well. We have a lot of challenging work to do: we will promote and encourage technological innovation in Israel in order to strengthen Israel's leadership in the field. We must make sure that Israel's engine of growth - science and hi-tech - will continue to gallop into familiar and new markets and avenues."

Minister Akunis added that "I am a big believer in entrepreneurship and innovation as a way to reduce social gaps. We will continue to expand and develop the Ministry's project to reduce the digital divide in Israel. Reducing the digital divide means reducing the social gap. We will continue to make science and technology accessible to young people in the social and geographic periphery, to empower women and to bring together populations that are not close to science such as Haredim and Arabs. Our main task is that even in the future Israeli scientists will achieve achievements at an international level and the Nobel Prize."

Ofir Akunis, 42 years old, has until now served as a minister in the Prime Minister's Office in charge of the Broadcasting Authority and the Second Authority. He held a series of positions including: Deputy Minister for Environmental Protection, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office coordinating between the government and the Knesset, Chairman of the Knesset's Economic Committee. He also serves as the chairman of the public council of a computer for every child, which he managed to upgrade to a tablet for every child. He served as a member of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committees and the State Audit Committee. During his tenure he enacted a series of many laws including: the cellular reform; Cancellation of exit fines from Hot Vis; A law requiring public bodies to purchase Israeli flags made in Israel only; An amendment to the traffic ordinance that allows parking at bus stops on Saturdays and rest days; One of the initiators of the "Boycott Law" which fights the boycott initiatives against Israel and more.