Pressure, Ostracize, Defund: How U.S. Jews Can Help Save Israel's Democracy
Without the intervention of the global Jewish leadership, the Israeli government may fail to grasp the wider repercussions of its actionsFor 27 years, I served the State of Israel with love and desire as a soldier and commander in mandatory service and in the reserves. Even when forced to carry out tasks that violated Palestinian rights, I remained steadfast, knowing that so long as Israel's independent and unbiased Supreme Court had the authority to review and sanction the government's decisions , I and the rest of my fellow fighters were protected from allegations of war crimes – and the government would be held accountable.
However, the Israeli government has taken a dangerous path. Through unilateral actions, it has curtailed the Supreme Court's ability to criticize its decisions, granting itself unchecked power. This government, which includes a prime minister facing serious corruption charges and a minister convicted of supporting a terrorist organization, now jeopardizes not only Israel's security and vision, but also the faith of world Jewry in the nation's ideals.
These days, the heads of the main Jewish organizations, foundations and federations are meeting in order to plan their position towards the latest developments in Israel, before the Knesset returns to activity and before the High Holidays. Their conversation is not an easy one, but they likely know what they have to do.
The emotional turmoil of opposing the Israeli government cannot be understated. Drawing from my service as an emissary for the Jewish Agency and my role in education and administration with global Jewish communities, I understand the profound love the American Jewish leadership holds for Israel. Many of us share a deep connection and affection for Israel, making the prospect of challenging its actions agonizing. However, we have been left with no alternative. The growing divide threatens the very future of the Jewish people.
As long as the government and its supporters make use of their small majority in the Knesset to make radical constitutional changes, without dialogue and without consensus, the opponents of the government, including me, are forced to take increasingly serious actions. These include stopping volunteering for the army, strikes and acts of non-violent civil disobedience, similar to the civil rights movement in the sixties in the United States.
Unfortunately, these actions have thus far not succeeded in preventing the progress of anti-liberal legislation. On the contrary – the radical actions continue, and alongside them, a sense of disconnection from Israeli statehood, the normalization of Jewish terrorism in Judea and Samaria and enormous damage to the Israeli economy. This forces Jews the world over to pick a side: for the transformations occurring in Israel, or against them.
Without the intervention of the global Jewish leadership, the Israeli government may fail to grasp the wider repercussions of its actions. Neglecting the interconnectedness of our global community undermines Israel's core purpose as a sanctuary for Jews worldwide. Choices made within Israel's borders echo far beyond, influencing perceptions and support among Jewish communities worldwide.
This is a pivotal moment, demanding decisive unity to secure Israel's future and safeguard the shared identity and aspirations of Jews worldwide. This isn't solely an internal Israeli political matter; it's a collective responsibility of the global Jewish community to stand up for our cherished homeland.
A protester against Israel's judicial overhaul holds a sign reading 'PLEASE HELP this time' outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, last month.Credit: Itai Ron
I urge the leaders of Jewish communities and organizations in the United States to show resolute leadership, and take the steps within their power to put the necessary pressure on Israel's government. Some can already be adopted immediately.
1. Halt all delegations to Israel until the unilateral legislation is reversed. The suspension of visits by American leaders and educational participants will resonate through Israel's society, exerting immediate pressure.
2. Avoid engagements with members of the Israeli coalition. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's disastrous speech at the March Israel Bonds convention, shortly after saying that the pillaged Palestinian village of Hawara should be wiped off the map, illustrates their disregard. By refusing meetings with coalition members, diaspora leaders can exact a personal cost that the government cannot ignore.
3. Refrain from contact with the Diaspora Ministry, led by Amichai Chikli, whose offensive approach undermines the liberal majority in world Jewry and Israel. The Diaspora Affairs Ministry of controls a minimal budget share of approximately NIS 40 million (about $10.7 million), some of which is intended for activities in Israel, and some among world Jewry.
The ministry operates through administrations with wonderful staff, experienced educators and a passion for Jewish communities and the connection between Israel and global Jewish communities. But as long as this relationship is conducted under an ethical cloud, work with those field administrations cannot be separated from work with the minister's office itself. Don’t answer his phone calls and don't let him do PR for his supposedly liberal policies at your expense
4. Suspend funding to joint ventures with the government. Focus instead on local collaborations promoting peace, gender equality, human rights and democratic education in Israel. Strengthen liberal non-governmental organizations.
5. Pressure Israeli President Isaac Herzog to withhold signing laws until a comprehensive agreement is reached through inclusive discussions. Herzog values the relationship with global Jewry, and the pressure you apply will legitimize this unprecedented step.
By fostering enhanced reciprocity and cooperation among the liberal majority globally, we can rescue the State of Israel and ensure the future of the Jewish people. The moment has arrived for us to be steadfast in supporting those fighting for their rights in Israel, united in our resolve. As we confront this decisive juncture, let us remember the importance of collective action, as our efforts will shape the trajectory of Israel and the worldwide Jewish community.
And if all this sounds too extreme, please recall Yitzhak Rabin and his tragic death. One of the greatest champions for the release of his abominable murderer is now Israel's national security minister, who stands at the head of the police.
Would you give Kahane's successors unlimited power over Israel's future? If we do not act quickly, perhaps we just did.
-Itamar Kremer is a lawyer and educator, former head of the Koret school for Jewish peoplehood in ANU museum, former director of Masa Israel and is the founding director of Israel's State Education Task Force, a recently founded organization whose goal is to maintain and develop the liberal humanist values in public education in Israel.