Arab Parties' 19 Mandates Are a Wake-Up Call, Says Rabbi Engelman
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Lior Engelman stated that the 19 mandates won by Arab parties in the recent elections are a "wake-up call" and cautioned against integrating them into the government. He argued that such a move would compromise Israel's Jewish character and warned against ignoring internal threats. The rabbi emphasized the need to support Arab citizens who accept Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, while addressing security concerns and crime within the Arab community.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Lior Engelman called the 19 mandates for Arab parties a "wake-up call" for Israel.
- He warned against integrating Arab parties into the government, fearing it would erode the state's Jewish character.
- Engelman criticized a strategy of ignoring internal threats, comparing it to ineffective parenting.
- He cited concerns about Arab parties in security decision-making roles and recalled past riots.
- The rabbi differentiated between anti-Israel elements and Arab citizens accepting the state's identity.
- He advocated for a high quality of life for Arab citizens who recognize Israel as Jewish and democratic.
Rabbi Lior Engelman has warned against integrating Arab parties into the Israeli government, stating that their recent electoral success of 19 mandates serves as a "wake-up call." Speaking during his "Ten in Ten" class in Kfar Saba, Rabbi Engelman criticized the notion of including these parties in governance, arguing it would undermine the state's Jewish character. He likened ignoring internal threats to a parent telling a child to ignore a sibling who is bothering them, suggesting such a strategy is ineffective and allows problems to grow.
Rabbi Engelman drew parallels between this approach and Israel's past dealings with entities like Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah, as well as its handling of issues concerning Arab citizens. He asserted that certain elements within the Arab community do not accept Israel as a Jewish state, citing concerns about educational content and attitudes towards national symbols. He specifically cautioned against allowing Arab parties access to sensitive security decision-making bodies, such as the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, especially as their parliamentary power increases.
The rabbi recalled the riots in mixed cities during Operation Guardian of the Walls, mentioning a Jewish family from Lod who sought refuge at his home. He also criticized the reactions of some Arab party representatives following the October 7th attacks and highlighted the issue of crime and illegal weapons within the Arab community, warning of their potential spread to Jewish settlements.
However, Rabbi Engelman distinguished between those who oppose the state's Jewish identity and Arab citizens who accept it and wish to integrate. He stressed the importance of ensuring a high quality of life and equality for Arab citizens who recognize Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. He concluded by reiterating that the election results are a call to action, urging Israelis not to ignore the situation, as it will not resolve itself.
