OPINION: Make no mistake about the country Israel’s new coalition wants to create
David Davidi-Brown, chief executive of the New Israel Fund, on the fight for the soul of Israel, and why one of the gravest threats to the state's future comes from within.
“I stand with Israel”.
How many times have we shared those words and more importantly demonstrated with our actions, our voices, and our generosity that we stand with Israel?
Powerful unifying moments for the Jewish people have been campaigns bringing Israelis, Jews, and supporters of Israel together for Soviet Jewry; to declare “Yes to peace, No to terror”; and demanding the release of Gilad Shalit.
I remember gathering in Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park with tens of thousands of people in the UK and feeling connected with millions globally during distressing times facing a place many of us cherish.
Today one of the gravest threats to Israel’s future comes from within.
Israel’s new government is trying to transform Israel from the country envisioned by its founders and Declaration of Independence into an illiberal democracy influenced by Orban’s Hungary and a quasi-theocracy imitating elements of Iran.
The coalition agreements Benjamin Netanyahu has signed with his ultra-nationalist and strictly-orthodox coalition partners include allowing discrimination in the provision of services; ending the independence of the Judiciary and the Supreme Court’s ability to protect minorities; recognising settlements even previous Israeli governments considered illegal; and potentially prompting the crumbling of the Palestinian Authority.
Itamar Ben Gvir, previously convicted for supporting a terrorist organisation, is public security minister. Authority over extra-curricular education and a remit to promote “National Jewish Identity” was given to Avi Maoz who believes “the greatest contribution women can make … is to marry and raise an honourable family” and whose party Noam supports so-called conversion therapy for gay people.
Make no mistake about the kind of country these politicians wish to lead. Do not have illusions that Netanyahu’s Likud Party is a moderating partner in this government.
Tens of thousands of Israelis have been taking to the streets to defend democracy. Many under the banner of New Israel Fund grantee and jointly Jewish and Arab led Standing Together (Omdim Beyachad – Naqef Ma’an): “This place is home for all of us.
During a discussion of a bill to revoke citizenship of convicted terrorists, measures were discussed including the death penalty and repercussions for terrorists’ families.
Likud MK Hanoch Milwidsky was challenged on why such measures were not sought for Jewish terrorists (Rabin’s assassin Yigal Amir or Ami Popper, who in 1990 murdered seven Palestinians). Milwidsky’s chilling response: “Yes, [I prefer] Jewish murderers over Arab murderers… as a general rule, I prefer Jews over disloyal Arabs.”
There is an alternative to Netanyahu, Levin, Milwidsky, Smotrich, Ben Gvir and Avi Maoz.
Tens of thousands of Israelis have been taking to the streets to defend democracy. Many under the banner of New Israel Fund grantee and jointly Jewish and Arab led Standing Together (Omdim Beyachad – Naqef Ma’an): “This place is home for all of us.”
Leaders from all across Israel are resisting this government including municipal educators and mayors refusing to participate in Avi Maoz’s “education”; parents ensuring racism, sexism and homophobia are kept out of classrooms; over one hundred business and hi-tech entrepreneurs warning Israel could become a “failed state”; and all Israel’s former attorney generals and hundreds of lawyers opposing attacks on the Judiciary and Supreme Court.
Tzipi Livni, when calling on people to join protests said: “Many of you risked your lives in the war for Israel’s existence, this is the fight for its soul.”
Some reading this may also have risked their lives for Israel. Many will have demonstrated and donated in support of Israel.
It may be unprecedented. It may be uncomfortable. For those of us deeply committed to Israel and concerned for its future, we must stand with Israel by standing with Israelis against their extremist government.
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