fbpx

News

Rivlin opposes controversial ‘Jewish State’ bill

[ssba]

Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin yesterday entered the debate on the controversial so-called ‘Jewish State’ bill. He criticised the proposed initiative as potentially damaging and emphasised that Judaism and democracy are the twin foundations of Israel.

Two versions of the bill have been proposed, both enshrining Israel’s status as a Jewish State but in a way which critics say would denigrate Israel’s minority communities. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has drafted what is viewed as a more consensus driven, moderate set of principles on the issue. Netanyahu has expressed determination to pass a version of the legislation, which is virulently opposed by key coalition partners Yesh Atid and Hatnuah. A Knesset debate is scheduled for next week.

Speaking at the annual Conference of the State Prosecutor yesterday, President Rivlin, a former-MK from Netanyahu’s Likud Party sharply criticised the bill. He said, “We must ask ourselves seriously, what is the point of the proposed law?” asking, “Does this bill not in fact play into the hands of those who seek to slander us? Into the very hands of those who … see contradiction between our being a free people in our land, and the freedoms of the non-Jewish communities amongst us?”

Instead, said Rivlin, “Judaism and democracy, democracy and Judaism, said as one utterance … is the beating heart of the State of Israel.  A state established on two solid foundations; nationhood on the one hand, and democracy on the other. The removal of one will bring the whole building down.” He called on “all Members of Knesset, on all citizens of Israel, Jews and non-Jews.  Our combined efforts must be invested not in drawing differences between Judaism and democracy, but in the mutual development and empowerment to be found where they meet.”

Rivlin last month called for Israeli society to tackle the divisions which exist between Jewish and Arab citizens. As a Knesset member, he was known as an outspoken defender of Israeli democracy and Arab minority rights.