New York, NY, March 18, 2015 - Today we join supporters of democracy around the world in marveling at the vibrancy of Israeli society and the openness of her electoral process. We stand ready to work with the Prime Minister, the leaders of the new government, and those in the opposition as well, to ensure that Israel remains strong and secure, and to advance the values of democracy, peace, and pluralism to which we are unshakably committed.
While nothing can displace our celebration of democracy, we do have deep concerns about the result and about some campaign tactics. We are concerned because yesterday's triumph for democracy in Israel may have come at the expense of the Jewish and democratic values we hold dear.
In a video message to his supporters yesterday noting that "Arab voters are coming out in droves," Prime Minister Netanyahu chose to use demographics as a wedge that threatens voter engagement. No public figure should lament fellow citizens exercising their right to vote freely, expressing themselves openly, and peacefully in accordance with the values of a democracy.
We are concerned about the approach a new government may take to working with Israel's Palestinian neighbors, and, especially with the Prime Minister's 11th hour revocation of his professed support for a two-state solution. When the Prime Minister says that if he is elected there "will not be a Palestinian state," we are left to wonder what type of future he envisions. A non-democratic future in which a Jewish minority rules over a Palestinian majority? Or a non-Jewish future in which democracy is preserved, but, inevitably, the Jewish character of the state will disappear?
We recognize what a challenging moment this is, but we also know that a negotiated two-state solution remains the optimal way to resolve the conflict, the burden of which we must not let fall on future generations.
We will work with all those who share our commitment to an Israel in which the government does not dictate religious practices and offers a pluralistic and open approach to religious expression. We urge the Prime Minister, that when he forms a new governing coalition, it be one that reflects openness and pluralistic values for all of Israel's citizens, a coalition that will not reflect discrimination of one religious denomination over another, a coalition that will reflect the democratic and pluralistic values expressly stated in Israel's Declaration of Independence.
Ironically, perhaps, one result of yesterday's election is that our role as North American Jews becomes even more important. There is significant work to be done in mending the bruised but still strong - and still critical -- U.S./Israel partnership. As we continue to work to prevent a nuclear Iran, the Israeli government will need, more than ever, to focus on restored relations with the United States. The threat Iran poses to Israel, and to global stability must remain at the top of our agenda.
We also recognize the work ahead of us in reaching out to those, especially younger Jews, who are more critical of Israeli politics, especially when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian relationship. They will be especially concerned about yesterday's results, and we will work to educate them, to train them, and to support them as they develop what will surely be a distinctive and thoughtful pro-Israel sensibility.
We remain united in our commitment to Israel's security, and to the values that can make her the "light unto nations" as we have prayed for generations.
American Conference of Cantors (ACC) - Cantor Mark Goldman, President; Rachel Roth, Managing Director
Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA) - Rabbi Josh Weinberg, President; Rabbi Bennett Miller, Chair
ARZA Canada- Les Rothschild, President.
Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) - Rabbi Denise L. Eger, President; Rabbi Steve Fox, Chief Executive Officer
NFTY: The Reform Jewish Youth Movement - Debbie Rabinovich, President; Micol Zimmerman, Director
Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) - Blair Marks, President; Rabbi Marla J. Feldman, Executive Director
World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) - Rabbi Daniel Freelander, President; Mike Grabiner, Chair
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) - Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President; Steve Sacks, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Message from the Reform Movement in Israel
Dear friends and colleagues in Israel and around the world,
It has now been just over 24 hours since the final election results came in and Israelis woke up to a new Knesset. While we do not yet know what the government will look like, we do know who the Israeli people have chosen to lead the country in the next four years. We know that within our movement there are those that were very disappointed with the results, while others who were very happy with them. As a movement, we first and foremost congratulate on our ability to take part in the democratic process and for the ability of each and every Israeli to vote for that party which best serves his or her conscience.
We are also mindful of some clear achievements brought on by these elections. This past Tuesday, over 70 percent of Israelis went to the polls. This is the highest voting rate over the past several elections. While the gamut of votes was wide, the ultra-right-wing "Yachad" party, which ran a campaign based upon racism and fear, did not pass the threshold of votes necessary to enter the Knesset. The Joint Arab-Jewish list, on the other hand, won an unprecedented number of seats. Former ambassador Michael Oren, a member of Kehillat "Kol HaNeshma" in Jerusalem has gained a seat in the Knesset, as well as Prof. Manuel Trachtenberg, a member of Kehillat Beit Daniel in Tel-Aviv. On all of these we say - Ashreinu.
With all of this said, we also continue to remain on guard in light of phenomena experienced throughout the election period and those which we know are yet to come. Strong remarks against the Arab citizens of Israel as part of the election campaign of some leading figures serves as a reminder of the work still ahead of us in ensuring true democracy and complete equality in Israel. The expected entrance of three ultra-Orthodox parties into the government will also undoubtedly hinder our efforts to secure Jewish pluralism in Israel.
Keeping all of this in mind, while the election period is over, our work has just begun. The IMPJ, through IRAC, its public advocacy and legal action arm, will work to form positive working relationships with the new government on matters of religion and state, allocation of funds and the advancement of policies in line with our values and beliefs.
This Shabbat we will celebrate Rosh Hodesh Nisan - the Kings' New Year (according to Tractate Rosh HaShannah in the Mishna). According to Israeli law, this is also the official memorial day for Israeli prime ministers and presidents who have passed from our world. We will also read Parashat "Va'Yikra," which among other things, speaks about the president and priest's sin offerings. It seems as though there could not be a better Shabbat to seal the election season and emphasize the connection between responsibility, liberty, sovereignty and leadership.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Gilad Kariv
Executive Director
Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism
