The Jewish Republic of Israel
Swearing an oath to a Jewish state will decide its fate. It is liable to turn the country into a theocracy like Saudi Arabia.
By Gideon Levy
Remember this day. It's the day Israel changes its character. As a result, it can also change its name to the Jewish Republic of Israel, like the Islamic Republic of Iran. Granted, the loyalty oath bill that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to have passed purportedly only deals with new citizens who are not Jewish, but it affects the fate of all of us.
From now on, we will be living in a new, officially approved, ethnocratic, theocratic, nationalistic and racist country. Anyone who thinks it doesn't affect him is mistaken. There is a silent majority that is accepting this with worrying apathy, as if to say: "I don't care what country I live in." Also anyone who thinks the world will continue to relate to Israel as a democracy after this law doesn't understand what it is about. It's another step that seriously harms Israel's image.
Prime Minister Netanyahu will prove today that he is actually Yisrael Beinteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman, and Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman will prove he is really a loyal member of Yisrael Beiteinu. The Labor party will prove it is nothing more than a doormat. And Israel today will prove that it doesn't care about anything. Today the loyalty oath bill, soon the loyalty oath law. The dam will overflow today, threatening to drown the remnants of democracy until we are left perhaps with a Jewish state of a character that no one really understands, but it certainly won't be a democracy. Those demanding this loyalty oath are the ones misappropriating loyalty to the state.
At its next session, the Knesset is to debate close to 20 other anti-democratic bills. Over the weekend, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel issued a blacklist of legislation: a loyalty law for Knesset members; a loyalty law for film production; a loyalty law for non-profits; putting the Palestinian catastrophe, the Nakba, beyond the scope of the law; a ban on calls for a boycott; and a bill for the revocation of citizenship. It's a dangerous McCarthyist dance on the part of ignorant legislators who haven't begun to understand what democracy is all about. It's dangerous even if only a portion of the bills become law, because our fate and our essence will change.
It's not hard to understand the Netanyahu-Lieberman duo. As sworn nationalists, they are not expected to understand that democracy doesn't only mean the rule of the majority, but rather first and foremost that minorities have rights. It's much harder to comprehend the complacency of the masses. Town squares should have been filled today with citizens who do not wish to live in a country where the minority is oppressed by draconian laws such as the one that forces them to swear a false oath to a Jewish state, but amazingly almost no one seems to feel affected.
For decades, we have futilely dealt with the question of who is a Jew. Now the question of what is Jewish will not go away. What is the "state of the Jewish nation"? Does it belong more to Jews in the Diaspora than to its Arab citizens? Will they decide its fate and will this be called a democracy? Will the ultra-Orthodox Neturei Karta sect, which opposes the state's existence, along with hundreds of thousands of Jews who have avoided coming do whatever they want with it? What is Jewish? Jewish holidays? Kosher dietary laws? The increased grip of the religious establishment, as if there is not enough of it now to distort democracy? Swearing an oath to a Jewish state will decide its fate. It is liable to turn the country into a theocracy like Saudi Arabia.
True, for the time being, it's a matter of an empty, ridiculous slogan. There aren't three Jews who could agree what a Jewish state looks like, but history has taught us that empty slogans, too, can pave the path to hell. In the meantime, the new proposed legislation will only increase Israeli Arabs' alienation and ultimately result in the alienation of much wider segments of the public.
That's what happens when the fire is still smoldering under the rug, the fire of the basic lack of faith in the justice of our path. Only such a lack of confidence can produce such distorted proposed legislation as that which will be approved today, and clearly approval will be forthcoming. Canada doesn't need its citizens to swear an oath to the Canadian state, nor do other countries require similar acts. Only Israel. And it is being done either to provoke the Arab minority more and push them into a greater lack of loyalty so one day the time will come to finally get rid of them, or it is designed to scuttle the prospect of a peace agreement with the Palestinians. One way or another, in Basel at the First Zionist Congress in 1897, the Jewish state was founded, as Theodor Herzl said, and today the unenlightened Jewish Republic of Israel will be founded.
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I really don't see what is wrong with an oath to "a Jewish and democratic state". that is what Israel is, or wants to be (both the state of the Jewish people and a democratic state). It is not racist, because Jews are not a race, it is a nation and a religion in one, not a race. We are of all colours and extractions. That is a complicated identity, which is often not understood by the non-Jewish world and clearly also not understood by the secular left.
I really don't see what is wrong with an oath to "a Jewish and democratic state". that is what Israel is, or wants to be (both the state of the Jewish people and a democratic state). It is not racist, because Jews are not a race, it is a nation and a religion in one, not a race. We are of all colours and extractions. That is a complicated identity, which is often not understood by the non-Jewish world and clearly also not understood by the secular left.
Israel was a Jewish state, is a Jewish state and will be a Jewish state. We have just made it clear to all who doubted this fact.
Thanks to the POST-CHRISTIAN FOUNDING FATHERS of the United States and the GODLESS CONSTITUTION they gifted their countrymen and women with, Americans are blessed with a multitude of sects, cults and sacred superstitions. But they are also blessed with Freedom from established sacred superstitions. - - - Why are the Post-Christian Founding Fathers still relevant today? - - - - Because even in the most reactionary religious regions in the United States, in the heart of the Bible-belt, in the strongholds of “full of faith” politicians such as Sarah Palin and born-again Bush, you can’t teach Creationism in science classes anymore. - - - - In Post-Christian Europe they apparently like the U.S. model of a Godless constitution very much because they rejected all lobbying by the former Pope and the current one and have refused to mention God or even Christianity in the draft of their own new constitution. http://article.nationalreview.com/269119/godless-in-brussels/john-f-cullinan ------------ The Godless Constitution: The Case Against Religious Correctness - by Isaac Kramnick http://www.amazon.com/Godless-Constitution-Against-Religious-Correctness/dp/039331524X”
If Mr G Levy is unhappy then I am happy. Long Live the Jewish State of Eretz Israel. Have been waiting 75years for this to happen.
This is at least the sixth editorial I have read on Haaretz that has stated ominously: "this is the end, Israel is no longer a democracy." Every thing viewed as a minor victory of the religious all of a sudden becomes the beginning of a theocracy. You accuse us of McCarthyism? I think you, Levy, are far more paranoid. And I'm curious: why is this being seen as a religious thing? Who says Jewish means "religious?" Both Netanyahu and LIeberman are not religious. I agree that this bill should have been "softened," that allegiance to the Israeli state should have been enough, but that would have been blown out of proportion as well. And anyway Levy, if it was up to you Israel would become a theocracy as well--the Islamic Republic of Palestine.
Beautiful article. "Town squares should have been filled today with citizens who do not wish to live in a country where the minority is oppressed".
There really is no place in the world for Ethnic Nationalism. This is a dangerous, odious development indeed. http://www.counterpunch.org/neumann10142009.html 'The very ideology of homelands and peoples under whose auspices the Jews were all but exterminated has become the sustaining ideology of Israel, a state devoted to Jewish ethnic sovereignty.'
Could there be a more provocative and certain way to encourage feelings of non-loyalty in the minority? It is a big and open world. most of the people's of the world are friends. I suggest the promised land for people of conscience is wherever you are happy! Come and live in a better country!
in the united states if any non american wants to be an american, he/she must be willing to take an oath of loyalty, to defend the constitution. no where does it state in this law that a new citizen would have to convert to judaism. you are crazy to think that this is the beginning of a theocracy. why aren't you liberals ever proud of being jewish until you have a gun to your head? this is a jewish state, not an arab one. if the arabs want a place that they can call their own, then they can move to any of the close-by 22 arab states, where a jew is forbidden to live. i hope that by the time i make aliyah in 5-6 years, you have woken up. how can a jew like you be so self hating???
Gideon, When was the last time that you had a good word about Israel printed in Haaretz? Are you paid by Haaretz to critisize Israel? Why will Haaretz sensor this comment?
The Jewish Republic of Israel sounds wonderfully well. Dear Gideon Levy, love it or leave it for those who love it. We don´t need you here.
Calm Yourself, Gideon. Think of the bright side. Now all the hasbara that compares Israeli actions as not different or no worse than what they do in Saudi Arabia or Iran will ring truer than ever. It is a victory for the principles of hasbara.
the sight is basically disagreeable, but not important.
Once again the so-called righteous people of the world, led by our own self-destructive apologists like Gideon Levy, claim Jews are not entitled to the same rights of sovereignty and cultural hegemony as other nations. Shame on you. You couldn't be a citizen of France without some reverence for French culture and without accepting the responsibilities of citizenship. You couldn't live in the US and protest Xmas being celebrated as a national holiday. Deny Jews one small place in the world that's officially ours? Shame on you and shame on Gideon Levy for sympathising with those who want to accomplish what even Hitler couldn't.
Actually, Canada does require a loyalty oath of its new citizens. When I became a Canadian, I had to swear allegiance to the Queen. The difference is that this felt like a ceremony to welcome me into Canada, not as a provocation to exclude me while ostensibly accepting me. It's in the intent and the context, not the text.
Only Israel, eh? What about the loyalty oath EVERY politician in America has to take to uphold the constitution and laws of our country? Every American at sometime recites: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands...." If that's not a loyalty oath, I don't know what you're talking about! Here's the bottom line: Israel has to stand strong or it will surely be picked to pieces.
Theocrats are a blight on the earth.
why do i suddenly remember 1935
As Gideon Levy writes, "... there aren't three Jews who agree what a Jewish state looks like." One thing is for certain, the Netanyahu/Lieberman camp look ever more pathetic as they try to twist religion into race. They, with their racist views, are taking Israel off the world's democracy platform.
Israel is a Jewish state. Who didn't know that? It isn't Sweden. Since when does being a Jewish State mean that a Rabbi has final authority? Get real and stop attaching political pronouncements to reality on the ground. Talkbackers are portraying Israel as some 17th century regressive Taliban. Honesty is good and unfairly criticized when anyone dares to speak it. Israel has way more freedom than we have in America. Had Hillary made as bold a speech as Lieberman at the UN which in any way contradicted the policy of the Empire shockwaves would have rocked Washington worse than a 8.9 earthquake. A Pledge of loyalty to Israel is most definitely not a pledge to Likud or to the Prime Minister. The Jewish Republic of Israel would be nice to hear announced at International sporting events.
"i pledge alligiance to the flag of the united states of america. and to the REPUBLIC for wich it stands, one nation under god indivisible and justice for all" i guess america is racsict huh?
all this is much ado about nothing -- as shakespeare has put it. as long as jews are in a majority, israel will be a jewish state. today in Israel proper 77 per cent of the population is jewish, so israel is a jewish state. democratically so. if tomorrow that proportion falls to 49 per cent, then it is no longer a jewish state. it may happen if, like moshe arens, wishes, 'juead & samaria' are annexed. then if jews manage to control the state even if they are not a majority, then we have a fascist / racist state, like was South Africa. So, it is simple really. what is all the fuss about?
In order to be both Jewish AND a democracy, the following conditions must be maintained: Jewish means governed by a Jewish-majority Knesset. Democracy means the government is elected by -and reflects the will of- a majority of the population. Therefore if the majority of the population became Palestinian, this would conflict because it infers the government elected would no longer be Jewish. The conflict can only be rectified by expulsion of sufficient Palestinians to resolve the population problem. Obviously this solution conflicts with the fundamental concept of democracy.
There is no rational for opposing a pledge of allegiance from Arabs. If they cannot accept to be loyal citizens of Israel, they must move to some Arab country.
If Levy don't want to live in a Jewish state he can move to Europe or to some Arab country. Local people are sharing his hatred of Israel.
Since America is 78% Christian (as opposed to Israel's 75% Jewish) and America's first British colonies were founded by Christian separatists, then America is fully within its rights to demand that all citizens declare an oath of loyalty to the Christian Democratic State. So all Jews in America must pledge allegiance to Christianity, and all Muslims in Israel must pledge allegiance to Judaism. Wonderful! That won't be a problem, now, will it...?
Israel cannot be both a permanently Jewish state and a democracy because in a democracy the will of the majority prevails. If the majority were to decide they wanted, say, a secular state and this were denied them it would then no longer be a democracy. It may be no coincidence that it is ex-Soviet citizens such as Lieberman that are the inspiration for such hard-line orthodoxy. Stalinism is alive and well in the Knesset.
At the top of a steep hill, there is a gigantic steamroller. There is no driver, and today, mechanics went up the hill to disconnect the brakes, and give it just a small shove. The steamroller will begin its descent and even though no one really knows where and how it will stop, there is every reason to believe a lot of damage will be done. It may crush those who just married (the wrong person), and tomorrow, it may destroy those who make a film the way they want, or teach a delicate subject in their university. There is only one thing that can be done: get out of the way. Between 200,000 and 300,000 will leave. As for the others, maybe they won't notice. By the way, the Oxford dictionary defines descent as a moral, social, or psychological decline into a specified undesirable state.
What makes him "Jewish?" Is his mother Jewish? Was he bar mitzvahed? Does he keep Shabbos, Kashrut, ANY mitzvot? He is using his demagoguery PURELY for power. He's as "Jewish" as Vladimir Putin, but more corrupt and more detestable.
I'd like to know just what vision of Israel Mr. Levy would like to have of Israel in ten years or in 20 years. Would he like it be a Jewish state at all? Mr. Levy, from reading some of your articles, I would sometimes think that you are a Palestinean, and not a Jewish Israeli. Why do you seem to love them rather than your own people? You seem to have accepted the Arab propaganda line that Israel is guilty of initiating the conflict, that all we want is war and killing of all Arabs. This is nonsense! There would never have been a conflict if the masses of Arabs hadn't been incited by their semi-feudal leaders who were against the influx of Jews into mandatorial Palestine because they threatened their priveleged status.
New Americans (be they Jews, Muslims, Hindus) will pledge loyalty to the CHRISTIAN state of the USA and to JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOR. This rule won't apply to new Christian citizens, of course. Because some of them don't believe in oaths.
He really deserves it.
Gideon Levy's argument is based on at least two fallacies. He states that,"first and foremost " ademocracy needs to guarantee the rights of a minority. Perhaps Levy never heard of the inicorporation in the American Constitution of the prevention of the tryanny of the minority- something that, had we had it, would prevent the Haredim from from exercising their power out of their numerical proportion. Secondly Israel was created as a Jewish state and declaring loyalty to that is no different from an American candidate for citizenship having to declare an oath to the U.S. Levy's handwringing is not appropriate.
Interesting to have a comparison to the US, probably the most corrupt "democracy" money can buy. Just watch the election circus right now. But I really do not understand the rest of the rambling anyway.
the minority from the tyranny of the majority. No wonder our Government and nation is so 'farked' if we can't grasp the one single and important matters.
The phrase tyranny of the majority (NOT MINORITY) (also: tyranny of the masses), used in discussing systems of democracy and majority rule, is a criticism of the scenario in which decisions made by a majority under that system would place that majority's interests so far above a dissenting individual's interest that the individual would be actively oppressed, just like the oppression by tyrants and despots.[1] The phrase "tyranny of the majority" originates with Alexis de Tocqueville in his Democracy in America (1835, 1840)[3] and was further popularized by John Stuart Mill, who cites de Tocqueville, in On Liberty (1859); the Federalist Papers frequently refer to the concept, though usually under the name of "the violence of majority faction," particularly in Federalist 10. You obviously have no idea what a democracy truly is and what it takes legally for the continuation of one. That's why we have a Bill of Rights in America, to protect each individual, especially a person with a minority opinion, from the will and evil of the majority. Please read the "Federalist Papers" to gain a clearer understanding of Democracy in action. Perhaps your Knesset members each need a copy as well.
Einstein, a renowned man of peace, and my “Rabbi”, warned about the damage he anticipated will come to the Jewish religion from “narrow nationalism “. I AM AFRAID OF THE INNER DAMAGE JUDAISM WILL SUSTAIN — ESPECIALLY FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NARROW NATIONALISM WITHIN OUR OWN RANKS, AGAINST WHICH WE HAVE ALREADY HAD TO FIGHT STRONGLY, EVEN WITHOUT A JEWISH STATE... Albert Einstein http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_views_of_Albert_Einstein
Shepen you are wrong on both counts. Firstly how does an aspect of the US constitution effect or explain away the new Israeli oath? Perhaps the only relevance is that after 60 years Israel still has no constitution. Wonder why.... Secondly, Israel was created as a state with a Jewish majority just as Palestine was drawn as a state with a non-Jewish majority. In both cases UN Res181 was explicit that both states had to respect and protect the rights of all groups whether religious, cultural, ethnic etc. The oath is contrary in every way to these agreed conditions.
To have a true democracy, the rights of the minority must be protected against the tyranny of the majority. Secondly, Israel was created, and is known worldwide as The State of Israel, not the Jewish State of Israel. The loyalty oath of the US requires people to swear loyalty to the US Constitution, not any religion or ethnicity. Political Science 101.
You are a beacon of hope for your country. Without people like you speaking out it would be worse. Cool heads will prevail in later years and this stink law will get repealed I reckon. Keep up the good work
"a beacon of hope" ??!!! oh, puke.
What is so terrible about the Australian citizens pledge and Americas pledge of allegiance??
Multi-part answer: (1) US pledge is discretionary. You don't have to say it and it's not an oath. (2) US pledge is Judeo-Christian-Muslim inclusive - just a reference to "one nation under God". For agnostics, polytheists, and atheists, the pledge does not speak to them - but then again, the US pledge is not obligatory. (3) US Citizens do not lose citizenship if they don't make the pledge (see proposed amendment to Israeli oath). (4) Outside the context of schools, the US pledge is mostly used as a preamble (along with a prayer) in right-wing meetings. So . . . what is this Israeli pledge all about? It's about stalling settlement negotiations.
No one group is forced to say it! I wont get kicked out of the country for refusing.
I don't understand why many hyper-liberals and ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) cannot accept Israel as a "Jewish" state. Not an ultra-orthodox, orthodox, conservative, reform, reconstructionist, hassidic Jewish state but a Jewish state for ALL Jews and those who want to live there. Isn't the Vatican - Catholic? Isn't Albania - Muslim? Israel IS a Jewish state. Also, why don't hyper-liberals have a problem with all the Christian and Muslim countries who are de-facto theocratic states. Throughout Europe, "culture" is synonymous with "Christianity" (Christmas is a national holiday in every European and North American country)and Muslims make no bones about the supremecy of Islam when they are in the majority. If any of these countries would be challenged and/or "endangered" by a sizeable minority (as what is going on throughout Europe) any and all methods are employed to maintain the culturally Christian nature of that country (i.e the Netherlands, exclusion of Turkey in the EU). In Lebanon, in the Palestinian territories, Iran, Egypt etc... Christians have either been driven out by force or through the introduction of restrictions on their rights and/or economic opportunities. As an American, I am constantly required to swear my allegiance to the US. What is wrong with that? If I can't accept the founding principles of the country in which I am living- then maybe I should live in another country? I feel this problem with the law requiring only non-Jews to swear allegiance to Israel arises with Jews NOT having to swear allegiance to Israel. Politically, Netanyahu keeps eroding the rights of most Israelis by pandering to the ultra-orthodox (haredi) and in an indirect way, to hyper-liberal Israeli Jews who also hold no allegiance to Israel. We all need to move to the center to ensure the Jewish nature of Israel. It is the responsibility of ALL Jewish Israelis and those who want to enjoy the priveleges of living in Israel, to protect and defend the only Jewish state - Israel. We only have one!
As an American, I have never been required to swear an OATH of loyalty to my country!!! In which America do you live? Also, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine & Egypt all still have Christian populations. Most have CHOSEN to leave due to the Occupation or because of economic reasons. I have many Christian Palestinian friends here in the U.S. and they left because of the insanity of Israel's Occupation--not because Muslims drove them out. Are you even aware that Lebanon's president must always be a Maronite Christian under the National Pact of 1943? Many Lebanese Christians have left Lebanon due the wars and Israeli attacks--but the Lebanese Christians were just as vicious and warlike as the Lebanese Muslims during the Civil War, there were no angels! Please get your facts straight before making false statements that have no basis in reality!
At least the Jewish background of their culture and their government has some moral standing, unlike the US. Here, we have, in spite of "Separation of Churcn and State," a theocracy of our "Modern religion," that of the APA and their Bible of the DSM-IV-TR, that is to say, "Psychologists," "Masters of the Mind and probable intent" rule the courts, the "Law, and, now The Patriot Act., etc. "Evidence?" That doesn't matter, anymore, if there is "Probable Mind Crime Potential." And, naturally, we have these carefully orchestrated "Acts of (Manchurian Candidate) Terror" that ushers the people, like a herd of cows, into more and more Police State rule. (As if these "Mind Wizards" could catch or even detect a MC. Look at The Great 0, for example. www.rickhyatt.freeservers.com
Don't they have similar oaths for new citizens in all countries of the world? Isn't Israel the nation-state of the Jewish people? Aren't nation-states allowed to maintain their character, without of course using coercion or violence? I don't see anything wrong with the law, and I find the Left's attempts to sow hysteria to be ridiculous and annoying.
The difference lies in the word "jewish" state. Here in Norway, we have a (voluntary) oath that all new citizens can perform, but it involves "allegiance to the flag" and does not demand that any religious or ethnic loyalty be added in. Imagine a oath that demands loalty to the "Aryan"/ "Christian" state of Norway. The oath is to the nation, not to the ethnic /cultural majority.
Doesn't include a BIG CROSS the norway flag? what should imply this fact for the non-christians? hypocrites
Nobody is trying to destroy Norway, or to turn it into something other than what it obviously is: the state of the Norwegian people.
When people wanted to kill us durings centuries, didn't matter if we were Jews, Israelites, Hebrews or whatsoever. Same here, call us a nation, a religion, an ethnicity, whatever you want. We have the right to have our country and our laws. And please everyone just stop comparing Israel to any other country. You're forgetting context, history, inside terror etc.
One of the key problems with this law is that Jew's are not required to take the oath. its only non jews. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/cabinet-approves-loyalty-oath-but-only-for-non-jewish-new-citizens-1.318212 This law opens the door for the blatant creation of second class citizens and honestly, its an unnecessary creation that further ostracizes an already ostracized arab community.
The main function of the State of Israel is to provide the Jewish People with a home state. Therefore, transforming the state into a mixed Jewish-Arab entity spells death to the Jewish Home State. Jews are one of the very few nations whose very right to exist is not recognized by at least 50% of the mankind. We have to carve a state for ourselves by all means..
is that Levy has never had an issue with his beloved PLO openly stating that Jews will NEVER be allowed to live in a Palestinian State. Why is that?
Because there is no such law i n Palestine.
Because, my dear Arie, the PLO has NEVER stated, openly, or otherwise the Jews will not be allowed in Palestine. In fact, their charter clearly states a Democratic Secular State in Palestine, with freedom and equality for all. If you have proof otherwise, post it!!!
Thank you for faithfully continuing to warn others of the dangers that are unfolding around you. Your article moved me to tears and I don't even live there. I can't imagine how you (and other Israelis who see these truths) must feel. Shalom, to you precious folks who still care.
is the constitution and the respect accorded to it in everyday life. What the oath does is bring home to new citizens that they re going to live in a democracy committed to preserving Jewish life. Jewish life is not all about religion, though it is partially about that. Its most about shielding Jews, orthodox, conservative, liberal, deconstructionist, agnostics and atheists from annihilation and persecution that they have been subject to. Yes, the religious well be hopeful that what Gideon says will come true but it won't and, this is where most Jews would agree with Gideon, it shouldn't come true. The problem with Gideon, whether his views are genuine or merely provocatively mercenary or based in reactive psychology, is that he sees Israel through only one lens, a nasty one, and not through the accurate lens of a state and a people that are truly under existential threat and doing what it takes to preserve life!
What really counts is that a state should be able to provide equality to all of its citizens regardless of their ethnicity or religion. Israel has no constitution, nor any anti-discrimination legislation. Israel defenders often state that Israel has an independent judiciary but so court decisions mean nothing if they are not given effect - as happens in Israel. So just would be non-Jews be confirming if they agree to this oath? Until you come up with a definition of Jewish this oath can bring trouble - you may think that "Jewish" covers the orthodox, etc but will it also cover the converted - will they be 'Jewish" enough for Israel? No state which has an oath for new citizens requires them to confirm either a race or a religion - merely to uphold law etc.
The problem with Gideon, whether his views are genuine or merely provocatively mercenary or based "The problem with Gideon, whether his views are genuine or merely provocatively mercenary or based in reactive psychology," Before psychoanalysing others, take care of your own paranoia.
I think you a little late to declare Israel "The Jewish Republic of". After all that was the goal in 48 forgetting it was a goal too since Bar Kochba days. In the West they don't directly pledge to Christianity but do so indirectly especially in Commonwealth countries. We are supposed to pledge ourselves to Queen Lizzie as protector of the faith....and that ain't Judaism.
On the contrary Adon Levy, in the USA all residents say a Pledge of Allegiance (to the flag, to the Nation for which it stands) unless look to lessen it. It seems that the only problem you and those of your caliber have a problem with is the word Jewish. Well, aren't you Jewish? Have some pride, the World needs a Jewish State.
in USA we are all equal under the same laws for everyone at least in theory
I am a US citizen. I was born here and since I was old enough to understand the words/implications of the Pledge of Allegiance, I have declined to recite it. Pledges/oaths of allegiance are inherently divisive to those who don't think and meaningless/ridiculous to those who do.
In the U.S., the only requirement that comes close to an oath is the oath that one must take when he becomes a citizen or is being sworn into public office and that oath is a promise to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution. As far as the Pledge of Allegiance, it is completely voluntary and something most people do out of a sense of national pride.
Israel is a Jewish state. If you don't want to say the new pledge, don't immigrate there, go somewhere else. What's the problem, no one is forcing you to move to Israel.
The only time an oath is required in the U.S. is when becoming a new citizen or being sworn into public office and the oath is a promise to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution. As far as the Pledge of Allegiance, it is completely voluntary and is usually done out of national pride.
The real point of theproposed law isto deny Palestinians of citizenship in the land where they were born as Isreal illegally annexes the occupied West Bank and denies citizenship to any Arab who doesn't swear allegience to the state religion Judaism.....
Your post shows the complete ignorance of the origin and philosophical under-pinning of the US constitution that infects most Americans today. The US constitution was informed by the Christian beliefs of it's founders. The "inalienable" rights of man were granted by God (a.k.a Jesus, to the founding fathers).
You only believe this because you are a Jew living in a country that is 90% Christian. Why should 90% of Americans be deprived of expressing their beliefs? Why don't you move here to Israel so you can start to think like a human being.
>>> Canada doesn't need its citizens to swear an oath to the Canadian state, nor do other countries require similar acts. <<< That's true for "born-in-Canada" citizens. But _new_ citizens are required to swear an oath of allegiance during their citizenship ceremony. Canada is a strange mix of secular and religious threads, but is essentially secular. Religion isn't mentioned in the citizenship oath. Charles
As Mr. Cohen has pointed out, the Canadian citizenship oath for new Canadians doesn't swear allegiance to anyone but Queen Elizabeth and her heirs and successors. Most Canadians would be pretty surprised to find this out, I think. The rest is a promise to obey the law and and fulfill their duty as a Canadian citizen.
It just shows that to be Jewish is more than a religion. It is a nationality
No, it is not. The nationality is israeli.
When I became a citizen of the US I had to swear an oath of loyalty to the country, as any new citizen has to, and I did it not as a gesture but it came from my hearth; I love this country. Swearing loyalty to an adopted country is only fair; I do not see the issue with the loyalty oath to Israel, which was created as a home to the Jewish people. If someone has a problem with this oath, he/she should seek citizenship at some other country.
You are absolutely correct. I too, upon taking on American citizenship have pledged and shed my polish citizenship at the same time.
The US never asked or forced you to swear an oath to a religion, or a government run by religious radicals like Israel's is. You were asked to swear a pledge of allegiance, which is perfectly okay. But not to a religion.
The UN Partition Resolution (#181) refers to a "Jewish state" and an "Arab state". These terms are meant by the UN as analogous, and clearly an "Arab state" does not mean "nation state of the Arabs". The conclusion is that "Jewish state" also was not meant as "nation state of the Jews". All the terms meant, as is obvious, is: one state with a Jewish majority and one with an Arab majority (in 1947). People who demand recognition of Israel as a "Jewish state" have a different meaning in mind. Let them specify exactly what their term means and what it implies, and then one can decide if this is acceptable.
The exact definition of who is considered a jew is another matter and has no relevance to this bill. What this oath of loyalty is saying is I recognize Israel is a jewish state and a democratic one and I will be loyal to that state Its not about how do you define a jew. As for UN resolution 181 today doesn't matter because its never been adopted in its original form. Resolution 181 said the jewish state should get 55% of mandate Palestine as a result of war Israel today occupies 78% ( the green line ), there was supposed to be an arab state created but that was rejected, Israel has Jerusalem 181 gave neither jewish or planned arab state even 1 inch of Jerusalem. If we get around to creating an arab state eventually it will be nothing like what the UN envisioned in 1947 when they passed 181 so that resolution has no relevance in 2010. Israel in 2010 has chosen its identity to be that of a jewish state same way some countries define themselves as muslim, chirstian, republican, monarchy. An independent state is allowed to chose its identity the UN doesn't do that and its allowed to make as many demands from anybody seeking citizenship as it wants.
The question I was addressing is "what does "Jewish State" mean in the loyalty oath and Netanyahu's demand that the Palestinians recognize Israel as such. Some people claim that since "Jewish state" was used in Resolution 181, the term is Kosher (although not edible). My point is that that in Res. 181 the term is rather meaningless, certainly not what Netanyahu and Lieberman want it to mean.
Abbas says, and you agree, that the state can call itself what it wants. It does not obligate others to "acknowledge" the name before it can be talked to.
I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM, IN THE U.S.A EVERY BODY WHO LIVES HERE PLEDGE THE OATH OF THE REPUBLIC OF AMERICA. AND WE ARE A DEMOCRACY STILL.
There is no oath to a "Christian republic" or a "Anglo-saxon republic". Thus it is not the same.
There is no oath to a "Christian republic" or a "Anglo-saxon republic". Thus it is not the same.
So if you your point is that you oppose the Jewish state, just say so.
The pledge of allegiance in the US is voluntary, and many of us in the USA refuse to say it. I won't sweat allegiance to a flag, a nation, or a nation `under god'. That pledge was put in place in a bit of nationalistic fervor, and the words 'under god' were put in it in 1954, in a reaction to the Supreme Court's decision that public schools should not be racially segregated. Nationalism is a cancer, and loyalty oaths are a symptom of the illness.
In Australia this is what New Citizens say: From this time forward, under God, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey. New Citizens have the right to make the pledge with or without the words "under God" because Australia is not a theocracy.
When I became a Portuguese citizen in 1988, I wasn't forced to swear loyalty to the Lusitanian race, Catholicism, listening to fado music, or eating codfish. The problem with Israel is the lack of a constitution.
this legislation proposed by israeli minister avigdor lieberman will have the results equal to the kind of wisdom that he shows to have.
for once i agre with g.levy thats good name for ISRAEL and its clear
This bill demands that anybody WANTING to take out citizenship must swear an oath of loyalty to a JEWISH DEMOCRATIC STATE. Demanding they swear loyalty to anything else is the thing that would be wrong because Israel was founded by the UN itself to be a jewish state not a European style secular one where religion takes place behind closed doors and the state has no interest in it. Israels national symbols are all jewish symbols, the working week is based on the jewish laws, the national currency is named after the currency of the biblical jewish kingdom, the main language is hebrew, jews have an automatic right to immigrate to Israel because they are jewish whilst non jews can be refused. If that doesn't say jewish state what does? We can demand a potential new immigrant seeking citizenship wear an oath to a martian state if we want because they are the outsiders and nobody is forcing them to take out citizenship. There is also no theocracy in the idea of swearing loyalty to a jewish democratic state because is officially a JEWISH STATE the defenition of who is jewish not an issue what matters is the people who want citizenship swear an oath of loyalty to a jewish state which it is just as its a democratic state. Only in Israel can we have our politicians apologizing for our national identity. In other countries the attitude to new immigrants would be this is who we are, you accept it and you swear loyalty to it then we will give you citizenship but if you can't handle swearing an oath of loyalty to the country based on its chosen identity then fine just don't ask for citizenship. This bill does not say that only jews can be here it says you accept Israel as a jewish state and no matter what your faith or how religious you are Israel LEGALLY is a jewish state.
It's a strange think. Israel may be special, but at least in Europe, most people should have the experience of a somehow more relaxed life in a culturally liberal, social-democratically run society. But still the conservative propaganda manages to tell them that the problem lies in the fact that there are so many people with different ethics and that it's important to stick to christian, jewish or muslim values, to be "good little French" etc.
then explain why the UK, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Monaco, Switzerland, and Greece ALL have state religions that must be pledged allegiance to. We do understand that if any of them declared a Jewish allegiance as opposed to their Christian religions then all he#% would break loose. How 1939 of you
Mr. Levy, I always enjoy reading your articles. If you say the policy does not represent the majority, then why the Isrealis always vote for extremists? Suggestion: Why don't you and other fair and open minded Isreali media figures and maybe celeberties (international as well) arrange for a huge rally like our nut in the U.S. did (Glen Beck) and show the world that alot of people in Isreal is on the side of moderation, and justice for all Isreali citizens. That would be cool.
I just wish that Israel would vote in a government that espoused those values, is all
Mr Levy, could we deduce from your article that you would advocate removing the Law of Return?
Tthe Jewish Republic of Israel will be the cure of the ills of this land.So it is a very positive development.
next year: bill to re-introduce 'stoning to death' for heretics...after all, it has biblical endorsement. Then perhaps the 'forced conversion law' like in Spain during the time of the inquisition? Will there be also a 'Shabat Gestapo' soon? This place (Israel) has become Monty Pythonesque reality -albeit far from being funny.
Nail, there actually are already, in certain neighborhoods what they call "modesty monitors" and the police will not allow most shops to display or sell "Hametz" DURING Passover; a pesach gestapo if you will
Levy is so wrong on many issues, but claiming that other nations don't need loyalty oaths takes the biscuit. Has he ever heard of the Pledge of Allegiance in th US? Canada has an oath to the Queen and many nations have oaths to the constitution, the monarchy or the republic. Levy should get out more and learn about the world and then he would see that Israel compares very favorably even to the most liberal democracy.
I think the point is that the US oath of allegiance eg does not mention religion. The oath is to the constitution and laws as you mention. No one objects to a loyalty oath to Israel. It is the Jewish part that is controversial.
Has an oath to a person who represents the government and laws, not a religion.
...the USA has a Pledge of Allegiance and an Oath of Allegiance, and they are not at all the same thing. The direct comparison between this law is the US Oath of Allegiance, and that oath is to the Consitution, not to the State Religion.
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, UNDER GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." how is that not mentioning religion?
I don't see this oath implies I have to believe in a particular religion to take the oath or indeed that I have to worship God in a particular way, subject to the tenets of a particular religion. The Israeli version clearly does.
That is the pledge of allegiance. There is a separate "Oath" for new citizens. At least check a wiki-source, makes you look like you don't really understand the conversation.
Constitution reaffirms that our Rights are inalienable and God-given - i.e. by our creator. Everyone acknowledges there is a creator, whatever that force may be, SOMETHING CREATED YOU. That is where you derive your rights from, as stated in the US Constitution. Pledging allegiance to that has nothing to do with religion. Strawman argument - try again.
it is very clear that the meaning of JEWISH in this context refers to nationality not religion, per se. The Jews are a nation, not only a religion, whether you like it or not.
nor is there any form of punishment for not saying it. New citizens take an oath of loyalty to the CONSTITUTION, not to any religion. No other democracy in the world requires, under law, a loyalty oath specifying any particular religion. You can try to spin that anyway you want, but those are the facts. So, is Israel really a democracy?
dont you get it man. your country will cease to exist in 100 years if you continue to worship democracy the way you do. The arabs will never except a jewish state and you also will see we will become an arab state in so many years ... so we have a 100% arab country called palestine and in 50 years we have another country formerly known as israel that is also an arab country. soon you would see the jewish army dissolve in your future contry .. but thank God most jews here are not as naive as you and will eventually see they have no choice but to choose jewish country over democracy ... love it or loose it man.
If only there were more Israelis like Gideon Levy. If there were then Israel might be saved from itself. As it stands another nail has been driven into the coffin of the Israeli State. There's a madness to all of this. If Israel were an individual s/he would be committed to a mental asylum to protect her/himself and others. Instead, anyone who actually cares about Israel surviving as a democracy can only look on and watch the 'slow motion train smash' which is going to destroy not just a Jewish state of Israel but any state of Israel. This law achieves nothing but more hatred in the indigenous Palestinians, who will, in time, either short or long, but inevitably, in time, be a majority in any Israel or any one-state and, the outcome for Israel will be exactly the same as that for South Africa's former oppressors... and for all the same reasons. Only insanity stops Israelis from seeing such a clear and brutal truth.
Make it so Israel.
How can Netanyahu, Lieberman et al who are secular in ideology and life-style possible desire a theocracy? The inference is ridiculous, isn't it; why make it?
And a very sad one. Every word here is truth.
...maybe like Saudi Arabia if the Wahabis decided to move to Denmark and set up Saudi Arabia in Jutland.
Israel is the homeland of the Jews; is Jutland the homeland of the Saudis?
The 'Jews' whose homeland was Palestine are largely still there -- and never left. They're called 'Palestinians' these days.
Nice article. There's no moral place for religion in modern day politics. It's just an excuse to disguise and present ideology in a form that's acceptable to the naive part of any electorate, and then exploit them for political gain..
pardon me. just like Americans elected Bush in 2004 knowing his record of lies and pandering to the oil-military-industrial complex, in the same fashion the jewish Israelis were not naive when they elected the Niet...+Avid-gor tandem. Israelis got what they wanted. no excuses