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Summary of editorials from the Hebrew press
Today’s issues: Europe and religious freedom, the proposed law to wipe out the rule of law, allies for the 21st century, and rants, raves and ramifications.
The Jerusalem Post comments on campaigns to ban circumcision and ritual slaughter in Europe, and notes that while the main thrust of legislation is directed against Europe’s growing Muslim population, Europe’s Jews are suffering from the collateral damage these campaigns. The editor contends that pushing back against these campaigns provides an opportunity for cooperation between Muslims and Jews and states: “Both Jews and Muslims have a strong commitment to continuing their religious tradition. There is a broad basis for cooperation and recognition of common goals and ideals. Circumcision and ritual slaughter are central to both faiths. Defeating attempts to ban them is in the interest of both Jews and Muslims. They should work together.”
Haa retz comments on the new brick that is about to be added by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation to Israel’s anti-democratic wall: an amendment to the Basic Law on the Judiciary, ‘restricting the right of standing.’ According to the bill, the court will not allow a person, organization or public authority to petition it if the interest that has been harmed or might be harmed and is at the heart of the petition does not personally harm them, or at least some of their members, or an interest for which they are responsible. Arguing that the new bill will grant the government license to break the law, the editor asserts: “It is to be hoped that the government will come to its senses and stop this bill, which could seriously sabotage the rule of law in Israel and protection of human rights.”
Yediot Aharonot discusses the growing trends of support for Israel in the world stage, primarily in the East, alongside the projected weakening support of the American electorate, and asserts: “The age of American dominance in world business and politics will end during the next decade. This development presents great challenges and opportunities. In order to seize the opportunities offered by the emerging powers of the East, Zionist activists need to hold their breath and lay out long-term plans. Taming the four-year cycle of legislative and presidential elections in the US will no longer be relevant in the 21st century. Shaping the views of emerging elites and electorates in the ancient civilizations of China and India will be far more fundamental.”
Israel Hayom comments on the recent verbal lashing against Israel by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and states that “While there is room for an appropriate, measured response, this should not be made personal and it should not be allowed to undermine the interests Israel and Turkey share in the fields of economy and energy, and in their shared desire to curb Iran’s regional aspirations. While it is necessary to move forward with caution, determination and without illusions, it would be best if cooler heads prevailed.”
[Rafael Castro and Yaakov Amidror wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot and Israel Hayom, respectively.] |
