Israeli Women and Arabs Face Systemic Exclusion, Professor Argues

Professor Ruhama Weiss argues that both women and Arab citizens in Israel are systematically excluded from public and political life, drawing parallels between their experiences and the ancient demon Lilith. Writing from Ikaria, Greece, where she is living for a year, Weiss observes a photograph of five prominent Israeli male politicians, noting their relaxed postures and the implicit message of entitlement. She contrasts this with the constrained seating of women and the marginalization of Arab citizens, stating that both groups are officially and openly excluded from political parties and public discourse.

Weiss contends that this exclusion is not accidental but a deliberate act by the "patriarchs" of Israeli society. She highlights how both women and Arabs are often rendered invisible, yet their votes are still sought. The professor connects this to ancient Jewish texts, specifically a Talmudic passage about the demon Lilith, who was cast out for demanding equality. Weiss interprets Lilith as a symbol of female power and independence that has been demonized and suppressed by patriarchal systems.

She further elaborates on the shared experience of erasure, suggesting that Arab citizens and women are perceived as threats to the established order. Weiss points out that violence against both groups is often downplayed or attributed to internal conflicts, implying a societal devaluation of their lives. She notes that while being a Jewish woman in Israel might be easier than being an Arab man, both share the common experience of being erased from public space.

Despite her criticisms of patriarchal structures, Weiss announces her intention to vote for the Arab party Ra'am in the upcoming Israeli elections, should the Central Elections Committee's decision to disqualify it be overturned by the Supreme Court. She acknowledges Ra'am's own patriarchal, religious, and homophobic stances but sees voting for them as a strategic move to challenge Israeli racism and give a voice to a marginalized group. Weiss believes that strengthening Ra'am will force politicians to include them in the political process, arguing that the situation for Arab citizens is currently more dire than for women.