Several religious figures have criticized the Bank of Israel'sdecision to feature renowned Hebrew poet Shaul Tchernichovsky on newly minted NIS 50 notes, citinghis marriage to a Christian woman

Dr. Hagai Ben-Artzi, brother of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife Sara, said last weekthat the use of the Russian-born poet's image on the bill was "an outrage."

"Shaul Tchernichovsky has become a symbol of assimilation, of assimilation ideology," he said,according to Israel National News. "It is inconceivable that such a person, as important a poet ashe may be, should become a symbol in the state of Israel."

Tchernichovsky was married to Russian-born Christian Melania Karlova, with whom he had adaughter, Isolda.

Ben-Artzi said he would refuse to use the new banknote, and said he hoped similar refusals bynumerous other citizens would lead to its recall.

To read the complete article, see:
Tchernichovskysparks currency row(www.timesofisrael.com/does-face-of-poet-who-intermarried-belong-on-new-currency/)