Can Democracy Unravel Just Like That?

The dire words of warning we are hearing from the leaders of “The Democratic Camp” in Israel – a coalition of political parties, public organizations and grassroots movements to defend democracy – are neither hyperbole, nor rhetorical flourish.  The situation is grave.  Israeli democracy is at a watershed moment.

For Americans who care about Israel, especially those over 40, this must be almost impossible to imagine.  It is for me, too.  Growing up in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the idea of a democratic Israel – with its universal suffrage, strong court system, free press, and politically engaged citizenry – was simply axiomatic.  Taken for granted.  A ‘no-brainer’.

But although my ‘right-brain’ tells me, ‘this can’t be so’, my left-brain simply can’t ignore the growing amount of evidence that the situation is deteriorating at a frighteningly rapid pace.

Let me share with you, therefore, the difficult messages we’ve been receiving: Please click here to read the call to action from The Democratic Camp, and hereto read the impassioned words of Meretz MK Nitzan Horowitz.

And don’t forget to show your support for tomorrow night’s Rally for Democracy in Israel.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ron Skolnik
Executive Director
Meretz USA

January 14, 2011