ECAJ and UPJ comment on Israel’s election
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry says that with the news that Prime Minister Yair Lapid has conceded defeat in the Israeli elections and the results clearly showing that Binyamin Netanyahu will lead the new coalition government, we congratulate Mr Netanyahu on his return to office.
Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife, Sara, addresses supporters at party headquarters in Jerusalem, Nov. 2, 2022. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90.
Co-CEOs Peter Wertheim and Alex Ryvchin said that this election saw a record voter turnout for both Jewish and Arab citizens and shows the strength and vibrancy of Israeli democracy. Israel remains the only place in the Middle East where regular elections are held in which all citizens have an equal vote and an unrestricted choice in voting governments into and out of office.
Clearly, it is for the citizens of a state to select their own government, and, in a free and democratic process, their right to make their own choice is to be respected. It is also true that the Jewish people worldwide have a stake in the future of the Jewish state. We are profoundly connected to it and therefore have the desire to see a government that is stable, effective and capable of uplifting all of its citizens and enhancing its place in the world.
These election results point to a decisive victory for the pro-Netanyahu bloc, which we hope will deliver stable government and an end to the cycle of fragile coalitions and snap elections.
It also appears that, as has occurred in many democracies around the world, populist extremist politicians, with an openly racist and homophobic agenda, have made strong electoral gains, and are likely to hold ministerial positions when a new government is formed. Though this group runs under the banner of “Religious Zionism”, in our view, much of their rhetoric is incompatible both with our religion and with Zionism.
When a new Israeli government is formed then, like all governments, it will be judged on what it says and what it does.
We again extend our sincere best wishes to Prime Minister-elect Netanyahu and affirm our unwavering kinship with the State of Israel and its people.
UPJ Co-Presidents David Knoll and Brian Samuel and ARZA President Helen Shardey issued a statement saying: “An election result which will create significant challenges for Israel going forward. We are concerned that extremists in Government will undermine the fabric of Israeli society, and the Jewish values upon which the State was founded” is how UPJ co-Presidents David Knoll and Brian Samuel and describe the result of Israel’s most recent election.
Ben Gvir and Smotrich are plainly corrosive forces and their understanding of what “religious” means is anathema to most observant Jews from any stream of Judaism. That so many Israelis supported them is troubling indeed.
We pray that their impact on Jewish pluralism, egalitarianism (with fewer women in the Knesset), and, for example, the LGBTIQ+ community can be kept to a minimum.
The strength a democracy is measured by how it treats its minorities, and Prime Minster Elect Netanyahu has said he intends to be Prime Minister for all Israelis: “Right and Left, Jews and non-Jews alike.”
What next? Stay tuned. Israel is always full of surprises.”
“…….populist extremist politicians, with an openly racist and homophobic agenda, have made strong electoral gains, and are likely to hold ministerial positions ……………..much of their rhetoric is incompatible both with our religion and with Zionism.”
Shame on you for these comments! It is up for Israelis and those who actively fight, pay their taxes and live there to decide, not for a judgemental, patronising committee in Australia.