Noam Party Leader: Jewish Identity More Crucial Than Election Threshold

Avi Maoz, leader of the Noam party, stated that fear of the electoral threshold should not deter parties from running in elections, asserting that the struggle for the Jewish character of Israel is paramount. He drew a parallel to the failures preceding the October 7th attacks, warning against silence in the face of perceived threats to the nation's future.

Maoz acknowledged the outgoing government's security and settlement achievements, as well as its attempts at judicial reform, but criticized its fundamental failures in preserving Jewish identity within the education system, legal system, and public service. He highlighted concerns about the disconnect between the state education system and Jewish heritage, parental choice in education, the increasing number of Arab teachers in Jewish schools, and the discriminatory funding of national Talmudic schools.

He further criticized the persistent influence of the 'deep state,' arguing that unelected officials continue to dictate policy, even sending civil servants for training in foreign foundations with progressive ideologies. Maoz also contended that the judiciary undermines the government and renders the public's electoral choices largely meaningless, pushing towards a state for all its citizens rather than a Jewish state.

Maoz extended his criticism to the senior command of the IDF, suggesting some remain influenced by dangerous concepts that contributed to the October 7th disaster and fail to grasp the nation's right to its land. He lamented that the IDF's ethical code, written by what he described as extreme left-wing propagandists, prioritizes values over victory.

Concluding, Maoz argued that elections are decided by the ballot box based on values and identity, not polls or political fearmongering. He declared that Noam is running independently to secure the public's trust and address the perceived erosion of Israel's Jewish identity, emphasizing a moral obligation to fight for the nation's character.