Jewish and Democratic?
By Moshe Feiglin
Moshe Feiglin's Election Blog
Jan 19, 2015
The Knesset is in an uproar right now over the Jewish State Bill. The bill simply states that Israel is the national home of the Jewish People, while also affording full rights to citizens of other religions. The Left vehemently opposes this bill, calling it ‘undemocratic’.
Is Israel indeed Jewish and democratic? A state whose parliament closes newspapers is not a democratic state. A state in which 93% of the land reserves belong to the State – is not democratic. A state in which the army drives thousands of citizens from their homes is not a democratic state. A state that employs administrative detention is not democratic. A state in which the Education Minister – not the parents – is responsible for the education of the children – is not a democratic state. A state in which a small, non-representative judicial clique nullifies Knesset laws is not a democratic state. A state in which the army runs its own public radio station, while the public needs a license to broadcast is not a democratic state. A state in which firearms are confiscated from loyal citizens but are stockpiled in all the hostile villages is not democratic. And the list goes on…
On the other hand, a state established to realize the national aspirations of one nation, which meticulously safeguards the human rights of all other nationals loyal to the existence of the nation-state of those who established it – is certainly democratic. Furthermore, it is that state’s prerogative and duty to safeguard the ‘golden egg’ that will keep the ‘family business’ in the family’s hands – and out of the hands of irresponsible descendants who may suddenly decide to sell it.
The word “democracy” does not appear at all in Israel’s Declaration of Independence. That is because democracy is not a goal; democracy is a method.
“Democracy is the worst form of government,” said Winston Churchill, “except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” I also do not know of a better method with which to implement liberty. As such, I am more democratic than all those currently howling against the Jewish State Bill.
Read the full article HERE
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