New coalition continues to divide the diaspora

Two months ago millions of Israelis voted in a fifth election in less than four years. The result was 64 seats to the right, 51 to the left while the Arab Joint List, with five seats, chose not to endorse either side or any candidate for prime minister.

One of the main issues people voted for last November was reform of the judicial system. Not to destroy it, but strengthen it. Even the last justice minister, Gideon Sa’ar, (from the anti-Netanyahu camp) said it needed to be reformed.

The majority voted for a change, but some segments of the community refuse to accept the democratic process because their side lost.

Hysteria and misinformation are slowing turning to incitement and division.

Demonstrations against a government is a healthy part of democracy. Hatred and violence are not. The next election is four years away.

My plea to those on all sides is to stop the unnecessary hysteria and misinformation.

James J Marlow, By email

You ask readers to judge your claim that Israeli ministers are to end the Supreme Court‘s power to keep them in check (12 January).

No. The Supreme Court‘s power to interfere is undemocratic. In the 1990s, Supreme Court president Aharon Barak enacted the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Freedom – essentially a power grab to strike down legislation in any sphere it didn’t like. It was never put to the electorate, making Israel the only country of the world’s democracies which doesn’t have a constitution yet allows the Supreme Court judicial review. In other words, he usurped the Knesset’s power to make laws, politicising the courts, so the judiciary became the de facto legislative branch. James R Windsor, Ilford

It is great Jewish News published a detailed interview with Simcha Rhotman from the Religious Zionist Party (19 January).

It is not a question of whether or not readers agree with his views. The debate concerning the changes that the Israeli government coalition is proposing is vitally important to Israel and its citizens. It is therefore right that all sides of the argument are heard comprehensively.

In printing Mr Rhotman’s views Jewish News has acted responsibly and set an excellent example to those British Jewish community organisations whose contributions have been totally one-sided and largely comprised of hurling insults.

Gary Mond, NW7

Support your Jewish community. Support your Jewish News

Thank

Unlike other Jewish media, we do not charge for content. That won’t change. Because we are charity-owned and free, we rely on advertising to cover our costs. This vital lifeline, which has dropped in recent years, has fallen further due to coronavirus.

Today we’re asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.

For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.

Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.

You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with. 100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity.

Support Jewish News by visiting our donor page at jewishnews.co.uk

Your newspaper claims Israel’s “far-right government hates legal oversight, so hobbles the judiciary so it can do as it likes”. The opposite is true.

Your pavlovian reaction to the hysterical realisation by the left that the party is over and they can no longer control policies, (no matter which government is nominally in power), shows your ignorance.

Its most revered judge, Aharon Barak, is respected by the left because he is the architect of the most powerful court system of any democratic nation, giving itself powers of veto over any policy it dislikes to suit its left-wing agenda,

It’s high time the Supreme Court reverts to what it once was before Barak politicised it.

D Rosenthhal, Hendon

The Jacob Foundation

Jewish News is owned by The Jacob Foundation, a registered UK charity promoting cohesion and common ground across the UK Jewish community and between British Jews and wider society. Jewish News promotes these aims by delivering dependable and balanced news reporting and analysis and celebrating the achievements of its vibrant and varied readership.

Through the Jacob Foundation, Jewish News acts as a reliable and independent advocate for British Jews and a crucial communication vehicle for other communal charities.