Protesters in central Tel Aviv, on Monday. Credit: Or Adar
As Israel seems to be enveloped in crisis, many of us have been watching the thousands of brave, determined, pro-democracy freedom marchers make their way in the hot Israeli summer heat by road from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Their mission is to loudly demonstrate against the outrageous drive by the Netanyahu extremist government to remove the very protection offered by the Supreme Court against legislation that is not reasonable, just, or in the interest of the nation.
That it should happen at this very time of Jewish mourning, remembering the destruction of the Second Temple, on the eve of Tisha b’Av, speaks volumes about the arrogance and lack of caring by the very people who have the responsibility to ensure the land of the Jewish people can exist in peace and harmony.
And we recall and reflect that what led to the destruction of the Second Temple was the result of “sinat hinam (baseless hatred), born of religious extremism and intolerance” that led to political and economic destruction at the time.
With the passing of the key judicial overhaul law revoking the Supreme Court’s authority by the Netanyahu Coalition government, it may be too late to reflect on the lessons of past Jewish history. Let us pray that history does not repeat itself.
Helen Shardey OAM
ARZA Australia President
UPJ Vice President
WUPJ Executive Board