The appointment of Odelia Friedman as Acting CEO of Meditech in Holon has sparked significant controversy and protest. Shaham, the organization representing Israeli actors and actresses, has formally requested the cancellation of her appointment. The organization has reached out to CPA Dodi Sapir, the Commissioner of Municipal Corporations at the Ministry of the Interior, and sent a warning letter to the Meditech board of directors.
The letter from Shaham, sent through attorney Amit Bakhler, highlights Friedman's alleged negligence and the substantial harm she caused during her tenure as CEO of the National Theater 'Habima.' The letter cites serious claims of financial mismanagement, including failing to allocate pension funds for employees, which contributed to the theater's bankruptcy and left many creditors financially insecure.
Odelia Friedman served as the CEO of the National Theater from 2011 to 2019. During her leadership, the State Comptroller published a critical report in 2016, which scrutinized her failure to meet recovery agreement goals, leading to significant financial deficits. In August 2023, the Hamima Theater filed a lawsuit against Friedman and other former directors, blaming them for the theater's financial collapse.
The controversy intensified when Friedman appeared at the Meditech offices without prior notice to the employees. This unexpected arrival left many staff members shocked and disheartened. The Meditech Theater is a significant cultural institution in Israel, encompassing various cultural entities such as the Design Museum Holon, the Holon Cinematheque, and the Children's Museum.
Critics, including actor and playwright Rami Ward, have voiced strong objections to Friedman's appointment, citing her past failures and questioning her qualifications. Ward emphasized the financial damage and deceit experienced by those who worked under her management at the National Theater. He expressed disbelief at her appointment to a role of such importance in the cultural landscape of Israel.
Despite the widespread opposition, including from the Union of Directors and Theater Directors, Friedman began her role at Meditech. The controversy continues to grow as stakeholders in the cultural sector call for her removal, arguing that her appointment bypassed the required legal processes and academic qualifications.
- The appointment of Odelia Friedman has drawn significant backlash from various stakeholders in the cultural sector. Shaham, representing actors and actresses, is leading the charge against her appointment, citing her past failures at the National Theater 'Habima.'
- Friedman's tenure at 'Habima' was marred by financial mismanagement, leading to the theater's bankruptcy and leaving many creditors without their due payments. The State Comptroller's report in 2016 highlighted her failure to meet recovery agreement goals and her neglect in prioritizing employee funds.
- The controversy surrounding her appointment at Meditech is compounded by her unexpected arrival at the theater's offices, which left employees shocked and disheartened. Critics argue that her appointment bypassed necessary legal processes and lacked the required academic qualifications.
- Actor and playwright Rami Ward has been vocal in his opposition, calling out the financial damage and deceit experienced by those under Friedman's management at the National Theater. He questions the rationale behind appointing someone with such a controversial track record to a significant cultural role.
- Despite the strong opposition, Friedman has commenced her role at Meditech. The cultural sector continues to voice their concerns, demanding her removal and questioning the decision-making process behind her appointment.
