In a blistering post that has resonated across social media, author and creator Hadassa Ben Ari has lashed out at the Ministry of Education's long-standing decision to rebrand "Mother's Day" as "Family Day."
Ben Ari, a mother of seven and a single parent, did not hold back in her critique of what she describes as a surrender to "over-political correctness" that strips mothers of their unique recognition.
Ben Ari opened her remarks by questioning the motives behind the historical shift. "I asked myself, who was the idiot who turned Mother’s Day, that sweet day I remember as a child, honoring my mother, into Family Day?" she wrote. "When did this hijacking happen, and who took away my glory as a mother? Well, the answer is, of course: the Ministry of Education."
The transition began roughly forty years ago, moving away from the traditional date established in the 1950s, the 30th of Shevat (the anniversary of the passing of Henrietta Szold). The Ministry’s goal was to be inclusive of all family structures, but Ben Ari argues this inclusivity has come at a cost.
For Ben Ari, motherhood is an act of leadership that demands a profound physical and emotional price, one that she feels is swallowed up by the generic label of "Family Day."
- The Sacrifice: She highlighted how mothers often pause professional development and physical comfort to raise children.
- Modern Pressures: She noted that in today's world, women are expected to "fulfill themselves," work, and study, all while raising what she jokingly called "little parasites."
- Identity: "What gives mothers strength is the memory that underneath the tired mother, there is a woman," she explained.
Despite her single-parent status, Ben Ari clarified that she supports all forms of parenting, including single fathers. However, she believes mothers deserve their own distinct moment of gratitude.
"I constantly tell my children what they need to thank their father for, but on Mother's Day, I want them to come home with a flower, give me a kiss, and thank me for bringing them into the world and for staying alive to raise them."
Ben Ari concluded her message with a blessing to all women: those waiting to become mothers, those currently in the demanding throes of parenthood, and those caring for their own elderly mothers.
