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Last update - 22:53 03/11/2008 Meretz's big chance By Haaretz Editorial Tags: Yossi Beilin, Israel News  The Meretz faction was one of the big disappointments of the 17th Knesset. Although it consisted of five talented, active and experienced lawmakers with a clear and organized platform, the faction was not outstanding, its message seemed lost and blurry, and there was a feeling of stagnation about it. The Meretz MKs apparently had lost some of the political passion and enthusiasm demanded of representatives of any party - certainly those of a small, ideological one, lacking the charismatic leadership they had in days gone by. Meretz's value diminished, its voice grew faint. That is what happens to a faction whose youngest Knesset members have nine years' experience in the legislature, and whose members' tenures in general average 16 years. An abyss now yawns on the Zionist left of Israel's political map. Recently, two prominent Meretz MKs - Yossi Beilin (20 years in the Knesset) and Ran Cohen (24 years) - announced they were leaving. These two men have contributed much to the Israeli left and to politics. Few have given as much to the peace process and its inculcation among the wider public than Beilin. Cohen is responsible for a number of the most important social-welfare laws, including the Public Housing Law and the Patients Rights Law. Advertisement The way Beilin and Cohen departed is admirable: They were not dismissed, nor did they bolt the faction, nor hurl accusations. They left with a kind of disappointment, but parted from the Knesset and from the dream of leading the left while remaining committed to their party and its path. The departure of two of the five Meretz MKs, senior as they are, creates an opportunity to infuse the movement with new blood, to cultivate a new and more electrifying leadership, and thus to strengthen the peace camp and the atrophied Israeli left. It should be remembered that from 1992 to 2003, Meretz had 9 to 12 seats in the Knesset. And it may be assumed that the party has greater potential for seats than its present showing indicates. Meretz now has the task of drawing on this reservoir. Facing the party is its older sister, Labor, caught in the throes of the worst ideological and electoral struggle it has ever experienced. In this context, there is an even greater need for as large a Meretz as possible, with a diplomatic and social doctrine that is different and clear. Meretz would have an essential part to play in almost any possible political scenario. If a national unity government of the big parties is formed, there will be a clear need for the Meretz message from the opposition benches. If a narrow government is formed that gives in to the dictates of the ultra-Orthodox, the need for a strong secular opposition party is also great. And Meretz might sit at the table of a peace cabinet, if one is established. In any case, the party's central committee, which is due to elect its slate soon, has the responsibility to choose a list and a path that will meet the challenges it faces - before Meretz disappears entirely. Bookmark to del.icio.us   4th quarter jitters Democrats have grown so used to losing, they feel any good news must have a catch. Designing an icon Ten years ago, two students asked Israeli Ruth Kedar to design their new company's logo.   1.   Tali Fahima would be ideal as the new boss of Meretz 23:10  |  Absolute Sweden 03/11/08   2.   Meeretz & Kadima both bad news & need to disapear forever 00:21  |  zionist forever 04/11/08   3.   Kadima, Labour and Meretz would best serve us by disappearing. 04:32  |  Chaim 04/11/08   4.   Absolute Sweden - You don`t know Meretz or Fahima 04:54  |  Slibovitz 04/11/08   5.   The views of Meretz represent a lot of Israelis 09:22  |  Danny Kahn 04/11/08   6.   Danny Kahn: Meretz voters want Acre in every Israeli town 10:16  |  Absolute Sweden 04/11/08   7.   Thank you Yossi Sarid - you captured the essence of my dilemma 12:03  |  Mike_F 04/11/08

Read & React Bradley Burston: Live Election Blog - Q&A / A&Q Responses: 6 Obama carries lead over McCain into election day Responses: 74 ANALYSIS / Is Obama a danger to Israel after all? Responses: 49 Britain to EU: Clamp down on imports from settlements Responses: 84 You betcha, Sarah Palin hits a nerve among Jewish women Responses: 34 Hezbollah: Large swaths of north Israel belong to Lebanon Responses: 25 More Headlines 10:37 Obama carries lead over McCain as U.S. polls open 11:52 ANALYSIS / Is Obama a danger to Israel after all? 11:52 Rabin's daughter, 13 years on: Same incitement exists today 13:03 Report: Hamas says McCain, Obama are both 'awful' options 12:11 Live Election Blog: Q&A / A&Q 09:49 Hezbollah: Large swaths of north Israel belong to Lebanon 06:21 You betcha, Sarah Palin hits a nerve among Jewish women 02:26 Britain to EU: Clamp down on imports from settlements 10:09 Syria asks foreign staff of U.S. institutions to leave country 03:04 In wake of financial crisis, Haredim plan prayer day to fund schools 07:05 Illegally built Arab homes in E. Jerusalem to get water service 06:27 Demand for high-tech workers in Israel down 35 percent to 45 percent 06:32 Victim's mother: Driver 'should join Meital in her grave' Previous Editions Select Day 03 nov 02 nov 31 oct 30 oct 29 oct 28 oct 27 oct 26 oct 24 oct 23 oct 22 oct 21 oct

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