Shirly Pinto was sworn into government by sign language, becoming the first deaf member of the Israeli Knesset.
Pinto, 32, joined the Yamina political alliance in 2019 and has been an advocate for people with disabilities, particularly the deaf.
“This is one of the most exciting for me personally and for the State of Israel,” said Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
“Shirly proves with her actions that anything is possible.”
During governmental sessions, Pinto will be assisted by a personal translator who will speak on her behalf. Pinto requested that she be seated in a spot that allows her to see the translator, enabling her to be a part of the proceedings in real time.
A light will flash when the bell rings before a vote is taken.
Bennett was sworn in as Israel’s 13th prime minister, succeeding Benjamin Netanyahu.
