Israeli Elections: Beyond Left vs. Right, A Debate on National Identity
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
An opinion piece argues that Israeli elections have for 30 years focused on the left-right political divide, neglecting the more critical question of the Jewish state's purpose and identity. While individual religiosity has increased, the public sphere and education system are seen as eroding Jewish character. The author criticizes the right-wing government for inaction on these spiritual threats and promotes the Noam party as a solution. The piece urges voters to consider the spiritual future of Israel in their ballot choices.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli elections have focused on left vs. right for 30 years, ignoring the state's core purpose.
- October 7th shattered the notion of Israel as solely a safe haven and military power.
- Individual Jewish identity is growing, but the public sphere and education system are seen as declining.
- The author criticizes the right-wing government for failing to address spiritual threats to the nation.
- The Noam party is presented as the only force fighting for Israel's Jewish identity.
- Voters are urged to consider the spiritual future of the Jewish state in their election choices.
For three decades, Israeli elections have been framed as a binary choice between the right and left blocs, often summarized by the slogan "Bibi or Tibi." However, the author argues that this framing, which has persisted since before Benjamin Netanyahu's first premiership in 1996, overlooks a far more critical question: what is the fundamental purpose of the Jewish state after 2,000 years of diaspora? The article contends that while a right-wing government is preferable to a left-wing one, the "Bibi or Tibi" debate distracts from the existential spiritual and identity challenges facing Israel.
The prevailing notion that Israel's primary goal is to be a safe haven and a strong military and economic power was shattered on October 7th. An alternative perspective, the author suggests, views security and economy as means to an end, enabling Israel to fulfill its purpose as a Jewish state, not just a state for Jews, echoing the biblical mandate to be "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."
While individual Israelis have shown a significant increase in religious observance and connection to Jewish identity, particularly in recent years, the public sphere presents a "catastrophe." The article criticizes the erosion of the state's Jewish character, citing the influx of non-Jews under the "grandchild clause," the desecration of Shabbat in public spaces, the introduction of gender and feminist ideologies into the military, and the politicization of the Western Wall. The education system is highlighted as a major concern, with insufficient Bible study and the promotion of progressive ideologies that blur distinctions between Jews and non-Jews, and men and women.
The author criticizes the right-wing bloc, despite its long tenure in power, for failing to address these spiritual threats, which are deemed more dangerous than physical ones. Prime Minister Netanyahu is acknowledged for understanding external threats but is seen as failing to grasp the spiritual dangers. The party Noam is presented as the sole entity daring to confront these issues, advocating for the preservation of Jewish identity and a Jewish state, though it has faced obstacles in implementing its agenda.
The article concludes by urging voters to recognize the current election as a pivotal moment, not just for political leadership but for the very soul of the nation. It calls for supporting Noam alongside Netanyahu to address both the physical and spiritual threats to Israel, ensuring the country moves towards becoming a truly Jewish state.
