Yossi Ahimeir Reflects on Jabotinsky and Shamir's Legacy Amid Israel's Internal Divisions
Yossi Ahimeir draws parallels between the paths of Ze'ev Jabotinsky and Yitzhak Shamir, focusing on their political and Zionist legacies while warning against internal divisions in Israel during times of war and on the eve of Tisha B'Av. Last week marked two significant state memorials: the 86th anniversary of Jabotinsky's death and the 14th anniversary of Shamir's passing, both buried on Mount Herzl, Israel's most symbolic Zionist site. Jabotinsky, a leading Jewish figure of the 20th century, was a Zionist leader, writer, and the father of the Hebrew military and welfare state, though he did not live to see the establishment of the State of Israel. His ideological rival, David Ben-Gurion, declared the state eight years after Jabotinsky's death.
Yitzhak Shamir, born Yitzhak Yezernitsky in Poland, immigrated to Israel at age 20 and was a devoted follower of Jabotinsky's ideas, though not formally a Revisionist. As Israel's seventh prime minister, Shamir governed "according to Jabotinsky's doctrine," overseeing major immigration waves from the Soviet Union and Ethiopia, strengthening Israel militarily and diplomatically, and opposing the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank. Shamir emphasized internal unity and was willing to compromise politically to maintain national cohesion, except on the issue of Israel's territorial integrity.
Ahimeir highlights that Jabotinsky envisioned a Jewish state on both sides of the Jordan River with full rights for Arab minorities, a vision formed before the Holocaust. Shamir recognized Jordan's sovereignty east of the river and sought peace with it but rejected a Palestinian state in the West Bank. Despite their achievements, Ahimeir warns that current political polarization, especially during wartime and approaching Tisha B'Av, threatens Israel's unity. He criticizes parts of the media for mixing facts with unchecked opinions and incitement, contrasting this with the respect Jabotinsky, Begin, and Shamir had for the media's democratic role.
Ahimeir calls for the Israeli public to unite around core values, conduct fair elections, and choose a responsible Knesset to prevent the destruction of the Zionist vision championed by Herzl, Jabotinsky, and Ben-Gurion.
