Cabinet approves loyalty oath, but only for non-Jewish new citizens
Amendment to Law of Citizenship would require any non-Jew seeking citizenship to pledge allegiance to Israel as a 'Jewish and democratic state.'
By Jonathan Lis Tags: Israel newsCabinet ministers on Sunday approved by a majority vote a controversial amendment which would require every non-Jew wishing to become a citizen of Israel to pledge loyalty to "the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state."
Twenty-two ministers voted in favor of the amendment, including most of Likud, Shas and Yisrael Beiteinu. Eight ministers were opposed, five of them from the Labor Party and three - Benny Begin, Dan Meridor and Michael Eitan - from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presides over a weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. |
| Photo by: Michal Fattal |
The divided cabinet spent hours deliberating Justice Minister Ya'akov Ne'eman's proposed amendment to the Law of Citizenship ahead of the vote, including a proposal by Ne'eman himself that the pledge apply to Jews and non-Jews alike.
Defense Minister and Labor Party Chairman Ehud Barak warned earlier Sunday that he would vote against the amendment unless the cabinet agreed to include in the draft an allusion to Israel's Declaration of Independence.
Neither of those amendments was included in the final draft passed by cabinet.
As the cabinet began its deliberations Sunday, Netanyahu reiterated his support for the amendment. "The State of Israel is the national state of the Jewish people and it is a democratic state for all its citizenship," he said. "Jews and non-Jews enjoy equality and full rights."
"Unfortunately, there are many today who tried to blur not only the unique connection of the Jewish people to its homeland, but also the connection of the Jewish people to its state," Netanyahu added.
"Democracy is the soul of Israel and we cannot do without it. No one can preach democracy or enlightenment to us," Netanyahu added. "Zionism established an exemplary national state, a state that balances between the national needs of our people and the individual rights or every citizen in the country."
"There is no other democracy in the Middle East," he declared. "There is no other Jewish state in the world. The combination of these two lofty values expresses the foundation of our national life and anyone who would like to join us needs to recognize this."
Netanyahu's Labor coalition partners believe that his support for the loyalty oath is a sop to Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, aimed at winning his Yisrael Beiteinu party's support for an extension on a settlement construction freeze that expired late last month. The U.S. and EU have urged Israel to extend the construction freeze, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has warned that he will quit the current round of peace talks if the moratorium on new building in the West Bank is allowed to expire.
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Have we already settled on the definition of "Jewish"? Have the ministers who pushed it through so hastily given any thought to what the law really means?
If a 2 state solution should exist, than this is a necessary step: If the Palestinians think that they can create one Palestinian state and one dual-nationality state, this will not happen. Not to mention, that the new Palestinian state will be cleansed ethnically, no Jews allowed! But who gets outraged about this one? Not the international community for sure. But that's o.k. let the Arabs enjoy their new Arab-Muslim-Palestine state, and let the Jews enjoy Israel, the Jewish state with their Arab citizens who chose to stay there. And those Arabs still gona be Muslims, don't have to convert to Judaism!
All Israeli democrats need to wake up before the country has given up on democracy.
Bibi just played you for his political gain, and will use the courts as the scapegoat when they obviously are force to nullify the law. This is prime Bibi. Offer everything, and work behind the scenes to make sure you get nothing. All while shifting all the blame to his opponents. Bibi will claim he gave the Oath supporters everything, and then blame the courts when they nullify. Just the way Bibi plans for it to be nullified. You are such suckers.
Some of the Jewish immigrants do not recognize some of the features of the State of Israel. If they have rights, they should have obligations.
By demanding loyalty Israel admits it has no loyalty, that it is not either a or the Jewish State and that it is not democratic. If I were a settler, I would be worried, very worried!
Where do I sign?
Italian cabinet approves loyalty oath, but only for non-catholics. British cabinet approves loyalty oath, but only for non-anglicans. U.S. congress approves loyalty oath, but only for non-christians. Sounds pretty goofy, doesn't it!
Everybody needs to relax. I don't understand what the big issue is with the oath. Every democratic western nation requires this from their new citizens! Does anyone complain about Pakistanis pledging an oath to the American nation, even though their value system is in complete confilct with America's? Israel is a JEWISH state. So an allegiance must be formed to this state. If you don't like it, don't apply for citizenship. Simple. I do however think that all people need to pledge allegiance, Jews and non-Jews alike.
"Jews and non-Jews enjoy equality [in Israel]" said Netanyahu prior to the cabinet vote. Why are then only non-Jewish applicants for citizenship obliged to take the oath?
Does this law simply require future non-Jewish immigrants to take an oath? Do existing citizens have to take the oath? What about children born within Israel? Will the law be used to revoke citizenship status from current citizens? Will it be used to facilitate deportation of non-citizens born in Israel, or long-term residents? Will it add a double-jeopardy to non-Jews accused of other crimes, if that crime is construed as a loyalty oath violation? Does it pave the way for other laws to promote the Jewish state, like a one child law making it an act of disloyalty for non-Jews to have moderate or large familes? Maybe a disloyalty surtax to make the reluctant ones pay a premium to live in Israel... Unlikely perhaps, but YB wanted the law for a reason, not just for proud Zionist chest-thumping. What next, a loyalty oath for secular Jews? Maybe for labor party only, those guys don't seem to be on the same page as the rest... What a hideous law! One thing is clear - some Israeli non-jews will refuse the oath and lose their voting rights. This will "help" solve the demographic problem by disenfranchising Israeli Arabs. To me, that is a seriously undemocratic act, deserving of heavy criticism. Israel's critics will have a field day, and future human rights reports from the US and UN will paint Israel's picture uglier. Those proud of Israel's democratic character should take care to maintain it. The repuation was not all that good before this. If there is any silver lining, it may quiet Palestinians' clamor for right to return, if it's more than ever a right to second class members of a stratified Israeli society. That could make peace negotiations easier.
Welcome to the Jewish Democratic Republic of Israel. It sounds horrible to me. Just an other theocracy is not what we need in the region..........
My comment wasn't posted, so I'll say it again. Nobody needs to take the loyalty oath more than the Haredim. To exempt Jews from this oath required of non-Jews is a double discrimination and a double insult. Drop this wrong idea and stop distracting attention from the real issue, which is not making peace. We who seek peace will not forget this lost chance. New elections will be called very soon, and these guys won't be winning.
A review of what "democratic" means seems needed.
The New York Times is already running a story on it. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/11/world/middleeast/11mideast.html?ref=middleeast One has to admit that this is an improvement on Lebanon 2006, 'Cast Lead,' and the Flotilla. It would appear that you've hit upon a way of committing national suicide that doesn't involve killing people.
does this replace the need for other nations to recognize Israel as a Jewish state? It certainly seems to be more likely and appropriate. Also, is this enforceable in any way? If so, how? Can someone actually be convicted of betraying the Jewish nature of Israel? How does that work?
In the United States children say the Pledge of Allegiance starting in elementary school regardless of Religion. It would be a step backward for Israel to require only non-Jewish citizens be required to take an oath of allegiance as it smacks of religious discrimination of Israel's Arab Muslim and Christian Citizens.
The citizenship ceremony is the final step in becoming a Canadian citizen. During the citizenship ceremony, you will take the oath of citizenship and receive your citizenship certificate. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/cit-ceremony.asp
...who is Jewish or not, be it by religion or birthright, it is inherently a decision by religious authority. Around in circles, chasing it's tale (sic)
another affront against the palestinians and general israeli population after the settlement issue that interrupted the peacetalks.
of course, once again such a stupid law would bring world jewry into very uncomfortable positions. israeli policy seems to totally disregard them being in their skin and having their fears.
According to the proposed peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians, in regards to the issue of refugees, Israel shall agree to accept over 55000 refugees back inside the green line. The decision today by Netanyahu government is connected to that. The question is how many refugees can accept to return with such loyalty oath in place. Palestinians could choose compensation and yet will been seen by their fellow citizens as heroes because the refused to take the oath. Politics is smart isn’t it?
More resently, in their arrogance and self righteousness, Israel has not bothered to keep up the facade. After all, what will anybody do about it? A nation is either a democracy or it is not. With that in mind, Israel is not. Laws and policies which differentiate between Jews and others, is an easy disqualifier. Is Israel a "democracy for Jews". I suppose. Is Israel a democracy? No, it needs that "for Jews" qualifier. It is a disgrace that corrupt politicians in Washington are sending American dollars to prop up this sham of a nation. Luckily election time is upon us.
This is one of those things that need not be criticed and cannot be defended. All that is necessary is to let people hear about it. It is not complicated. Most people can understand and make an assesment without help.
This is so funny and out of tune with modern thinking. The Sad thing is Lieberman thinks he's a respectable politician.
Plenty of questions to be asked about this and not many answers forthcoming from Bibi's band of extremists right now.
Jews can screw Israel over, but all others have to take a loyalty oath. What are our so-called legislators afraid of, or, more direct to the point, what are they trying to hide. This whole thing holds us, as a nation, up to ridicule. When my father served in three campaigns and was wounded twice and I served for three years, we never thought of this kind of crap. What in G-d's name is happening to us? We need a good public relations firm to clean up our image. Remember, perception is reality. I agree with many of the comments here which also point out the ridiculous nature of this act.
You do not need a good PR firm to clean up Israel's Image. What you need is a gutsy Politician who will open up the Israeli Historical Archives and let Israelis know the truth about how their country was really born. The truth is not what you have been told exactly. But, hey, the rest of the world already knows the truth and that is what makes them angry at Israel and your Politicians. You have dynasties of politicians in Israel. Just take a look, Netanyahu, he is there because of his Father, his dead brother. Livni, he father and grandfather, and so many othes whose parents served before and feel they have a right to power and leadership. Just take a look at how they live in comparison to the average Israeli these days. Prior to 1967 things in Israel were different. Now look at things. The clown Sharansky who was made into a great hero who was nothing more than a sham in Russia who is powerful in Israel. Never fought once for the country, now what a mess he has brought with him. Netanyahu bringing his American rich friends to ruin Jerusalem and he has and more and more hate and bloodshed and settlers. That is what has happened. They do not give a damn about the average Israeli who fought and died for Israel prior to 1967, all they care for is getting richer and more powerful and even selling land, and even Arab land which is not their according to International Law which will eventually bring destruction upon Israel but do you think these rich families care - hell no - they will be somewhere else surviving with riches galore while again the poor Jew pays for the rich Jews excesses.
Are you outraged because of loyalty oath or are you outraged because everyone except Jews has to take the oath? Jews should take the oath too, I would start with Tibi and Livni...
Loyalty oaths, love 'em or hate them, are either for everybody or they are a form of harassment for some. This is a bad law.
John are you aware that new citizens of the USA also have to take a loyalty oath. Its part of the citizenship process. Do you still think its a bad law. By the way the Times Square bomber also took this aoth but at his trial said he did not mean it. Islam allows and encourages you to lie to non believers.
In other word a positive discrimination toward Jews. Any non Jew will be relegated to second class citizen.
In that case the countries have to reconsider the relation with Israel.
This isn't about Jews or Arabs, this is about signing a paper that says you will treat your state well, nothing else. Get real
That is making the law universal. That's all. Jews and non jews should pledge loyalty to a jewsish democratic state. Also haredim and kahanists would have to pledge loyalty to democracy...or stay in Brookling...What's wrong with it?
If a 2 state solution should exist, it will show the world that Israel is the homeland to the Jews.
How will define the "Jewish" in Jewish state? Given the status of things, Jewish will mean a particular variant of Orthodox Judaism. Where will that leave the rest of this? How ironic that the Orthodox who were opponents of Zionism and the creation of a modern Jewish state will now get to define that state.
It seems the State of Israel is facing a very defining moment (perhaps the most defining since its formation in 1948). The fact is: you cannot be both a Jewish state and a democratic state. Israelis have to decide what they mean by a Jewish state: majority ethnic Jews, or a religious state dictated by Halakha. Meanwhile, what is the definition of democratic state in this context? Will it be democratic to its Jewish citizens only (given the definition of Jewish)? Any which way you look at it, it is paradoxical. A better declaration or oath could for example insist on pledging that "the Jewish people are entitled to live in this land in peace and security and that their rights should not be violated in any way, in much the same way as any other citizen of the State of Israel". This affirms the Jewish people's rights in Israel whilst not discriminating against non-Jews because it doesn't open the whole Pandora's box of "Jewish state". Before any oaths are legalized, Israel must seriously define itself and then proceed accordingly. This oath can be seen as either racist, undemocratic, or both- it simply doesn't reflect well on Israel's image.
this is not ridiculous, it's a catastrophe!
Let us look at a few key provisions of the Declaration (the numbering is mine): "1. This right ('to establish their State') is the natural right of the Jewish people to be masters of their own fate, like all other nations, in their own sovereign State.. 2. The state of Israel will be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles.. 3. it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex..."// The Declaration itself does not mention Democracy, but it ensures equality to all citizens (3). On the other hand, the Declaration talks about the Jewish people being "masters of their own Fate LIKE all other nations" (1). Also, it promises to be open for Jewish immigration (2). CONCLUSIONS: 1. The vision is that of a Democracy with equal rights to all citizens as INDIVIDUALS. 2. As far as COLLECTIVE rights, the Declaration shows preference for the Jews and recognizes some extra rights for them, such as a "right of return". the Palestinian collective of Israeli citizens Israel does not get that right. 3. But the type of mastery, it appears, is LIKE every other nation, that is, if the Arabs become a majority, they can write the laws and the Jews lose any preferrential treatment. I find this to be the meaning of "Jewish and Democratic state" according to the Declaration. However, other exegetes might reach different conclusions. It makes little sense to include such unclear term in a loyalty oath. Better to demand loyalty to the State and its laws.
is a comment from Christians United for Israel. Is Hagee ok with this? Surely an amendment will be added to exempt Christians wishing to live in Israel from such an oath. Has Hagee reassured his flock yet? Has the Pope emdorsed this?
the some thing happened in Romania in comunis era
The Romanian constitution said: Romania is the country of the Romanian people AND of the coinhabiting nationalities !
Loyality comes when people believe that their country is worthy of their respect and admiration. Loyalty oaths are designed by politicians who have doubts about the worthiness, uprightness, and the integrity our their country.
certainly thought so. When asked by the judge if he had taken an oath when becoming a US citizen, said, "yes, but I did not mean it".
Loyality comes when people believe that their country is worthy of their respect and admiration. Loyalty oaths are designed by politicians who have doubts about the worthiness, uprightness, and the integrity our their country.
Not only is it undemocratic tom specify religion in oath, but to discriminate against non-Jews is the ultimate condescending policy. Throughout history no nation thrived or survived with such attitude.
The government is more concerned about potential consequences if the Right of Return is agreed to. Such an oath may deter many from moving back to their homes. How many non-Jews emigrate to Israel currently?
Mr. Justice Minister was quoted recently that he prefers and hopes for the religious Halakcha laws to become state laws. The state governed by religious laws is a theocracy. And he is that one who is proposing this oath bill;what a joke of democracy, for the Jews and non-Jews as well.
No, Israel demand loyalty oaths from its citizens toward the country and not toward a religion Judaism. Though, all Islamic country in the world governed by the Koran, like Iran is a Theocracy and its main goal to establish the global Caliphate (Islam rule over the world), yet no one is outraged about that one. Ever wondered why?
barak and labor should be fired-- what are they not proud--shame on them -- the less wetake a stand the weaker we become.oue enemies just love that
Is this only for those people that are not currently citizens? ie: Christian/Muslim/etc citizens of Israel would not have to swear such an oath.
You did read that correctly, as it is laid out here. This effectively establishes a State sponsored religion, which is NOT a staple of a Western nation. More proof that Israel is not by any stretch of the imagination that which they claim to be: a Western nation, and the so-called, "shining beacon of democracy in the Middle East."
As an American Jew, in a country where Jews are less than 2% of the population I would not be happy if I had to declare my loyalty to America as a Christian nation. Israeli's like to brag that their country is the only democracy in the Middle East. Perhaps it is a democracy, but a democracy for Jews only.
most have never heard of Gilad Shalit, most have never visited Israel, but they have very big opinions. As an American Jew, start worrying about your disappearing community, learn some Jewish and Israeli history (not from the media) and commit to honeststy
As a Jew I am commanded by the Torah to be loyal to my country, which is Canada & not Israel. I also commanded to pray for my country and its leaders. So are you. However, this loyalty does not obligate us to follow Christianity or any other religion. Israel demands its citizens to be loyal to the country; it does not demand conversion to Judaism. Big difference!
Israel has a duty not just a right to protect her identity and cement the Jewish element of her being.
'Israel as a Jewish and democratic state' is an oxymoron. When it is 'democratic', all other religions and ethnicities even Arabs creep in. Hence Israel can be either the one or the other.
Turkey is a Moslem democracy, Italy is a Catholic democracy, UK is a Protestant democracy, Israel is a Jewish democracy. Deal with it.
Turkey is a Moslem democracy, Italy is a Catholic democracy, UK is a Protestant democracy, Israel is a Jewish democracy. Deal with it.
And since Israeli is 1) Jewish 2) Democratic, it is a Jewish democratic state. You can't argue with reality, kid.
One could argue that the only way to be a democracy is to separate church from state. That is partially true for Turkey and I think completely true for Italy and for the UK. It is far from true for Israel.
you are comparing apples and oranges, these countries are not and have not declared a religion for the state. israel in so doing is declaring the religion of the state is jewish....
We have laws still in statute that date from hundreds of years ago and our legislature is as muddled and antiquated as our legal system. The monarch (the Queeen) is head of state and also head of the Church of England. All this is over-ridden by equality laws though, which means that we wouldn't ask a Jew to do something that a Christian need not do. The law passed by cabinet in Israel today would not be passed in the UK and if it were it would soon be countermanded by the European Court of Human Rights. To have one law for Jews and another for gentiles is clearly discriminatory.
Turkey, Italy and the UK define themselves as SECULAR and NON-DENOMINATIONAL countries. That the majority of the population professes a certain faith doesn't make it the official religion.
Jerome, Turkey is staunchly secular. The Army makes sure of that. I would argue more about Turkey's democratic character than about its secular one. There is no doubt about the latter.
Italy is a democracy, and that the vast majority of its citizens are Catholic is acknowledged as a "demographic fact", but it is not regarded as a "defining characteristic" of the state by Italy. The same is true of Turkey, and of the UK i.e. the state has no problem with the demographics being skewed towards on religion, but the state refuses to be defined by that fact.
Italy is a democracy, and that the vast majority of its citizens are Catholic is a "demographic fact", but it is not regarded as a "defining characteristic" of the state i.e. the democratic nature defines the state, not the demographics of its citizens. The same is true of Turkey, and of the UK, but not of Israel.
Of course Israel is a Jewish democracy: a democracy for Jews. Maybe some enlightened day it will be a democracy for all its residents - is that somehow counter to the tenets of Judaism?
German chancellor Merkel recently said that Germany while secular is a Christian country.
Not so Bibi and you know it, as a goy I had to jump through bureaucratic hoops here that Jews don't have to, that is inequality, you can try to massage your way round the issue but those are the facts. Yes FACTS, remember what they are? of course I have no right to bring 'facts' to the debate...but in Sudan, Saudi Arabia, N. Korea, blah blah blah.
Ne'eman is right - Jews must take this oath as well
Any liar can take an oath, and they often do.
Is this another attempt to piss EVERYONE off?
With people like Tibi and Zoabi who do everything to undermine Israel's democracy I think it time. As a Jew I don't mind signing either.
No, UN res. 181
The countries you mention may have a loyalty oath to the constitution, but not to a religion or an ethnicity. Israel doesn't even have a constitution yet.
Some people think that the people she was trying to help are victims in desperate need for help, while others beleive that she is wrong in her beleives and that her ideas provide support ( tho non-military ) to terrorist organisations. But Democracy is about the plurality of perspectives and the respect of those perspectives by your peers, no matter how different they are to your own. No matter how right or wrong Zoabi is, even if she were an outright criminal, her actions are 100% not undermining the democratic process. OTOH the israeli government did a concerted effort to deprive ms. Zoabi of her most fundamental democratic rights, and that concerted effort extends far beyond the person of MK Zoabi. Democracy is about freedom of speech and opinion. AND MOST OFF ALL: opinions cannot be considered security threats. Nobel peace laureate was recently detained and expulsed from israel, tho not a single person thought she was armed or smuggling weapons, they detained her and expulsed her because of her IDEAS. That is the anti-thesis of democracy.
we would if we could but we cant so we dont live in a country that is only democratic it is an attempt to have a jewish homeland and jews are not like other nations the religion is the nationality you can say what you like but at least this is declared whereas other countries just practice discrimination
September 18, 2010, Nazar Ahari, the 26-year-old founder of the Committee of Human Rights Reporters in Tehran, was sentenced to six years in prison on various anti-government charges; gathering and plotting to commit crimes against the Iranian state, propaganda against the establishment and waging war against God, a crime punishable by death under the Islamic Republic's Sharia law! She too, only expressed her ideas! But that's o.k., that is Islam which we do not criticize. If it's in the name of Allah, that must be right and forgiven. We only get outraged when it done by Israel, & then we make a big fuss of it. Don't we? Islam is the religion of peace, & it is always ready to kill us to prove it!