February 24, 2023
As we watch the news coming out of Israel regarding the proposed judicial reforms, we are horrified that democracy in Israel is under attack once more. For years, we have seen the occupation undermine Israel’s democratic character. These judicial reforms are the next steps in bringing down democracy and further entrenching the occupation. Not only that but these reforms will further silence Palestinians’ voices, along with other minority groups in Israel.
To take the power of the courts and give it to the ruling coalition is a classic indicator of budding fascism. This year, the 75th year of Israel’s existence, we should be reflecting on the deep and storied history of the Jewish state. Instead, we are faced with a democratic crisis that rapidly furthers fascist ideals.
As a Zionist youth movement, we have a unique role in the facilitation of democracy and building the society of tomorrow. We have a long history of holding the vision and the reality of Israel side by side. But the youth of today have not seen an Israel that gets better. We have only seen an Israel that becomes more right wing, more conservative, and further and further from the dream of a just and collaborative society. It is harder for the youth to believe that things will get better. The youth deserve leaders who will defend the future of the Jewish people in a way that allows for the liberation of Jews, Palestinians, and everyone who calls the land of Israel home.
We have seen the protestors on the streets of Israel for the last 8 weeks. In fact, we joined one of the first protests last month during a seminar in which we were envisioning our hopes and dreams for our movement. During the protest, we could feel the citizens of Israel’s hopes and dreams of a democratic, just, and Jewish state that they can be proud of. As the youth of Habonim Dror North America, we are in solidarity with the protesting citizens of the state of Israel. We demand for our shared vision of a just state to be made reality: for the judicial reforms to be revoked and for the government of Israel to create a society in which all its inhabitants are valued and represented.
