Summary of editorials from the Hebrew press
Today’s issues: Living Judaism, a university’s lesson in spinelessness, terms of surrender, no room for emotion in diplomacy, and Turkey roasts Israel.
The Jerusalem Post considers the recurring question ‘Who is a Jew?’ – which has been a source of tension between Israel and the Diaspora for decades. The editor notes that this is the essence of what makes Judaism so beautifully dynamic, and declares: “Attempts to confine Judaism to a single definition only stifle it. Nowhere more than in Israel is it essential that this not be allowed to happen.”
Haaretz criticizes Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s decision to cancel an award to Breaking the Silence in the wake of a vicious incitement campaign against the organization, and asserts that the decision, and the justifications given for it, “send a message of reprimand and deterrence to faculty members at BGU and other academic institutions who seek to continue to voice their criticism. The faculty must stand up to this dangerous capitulation that bends even academia to the will of the ruling government.”
Yediot Aharonot is concerned that “Israel’s surrender agreement to Turkey” will be approved by the Security Cabinet, and declares: “Our relationship with Turkey is important, but our national dignity is no less important. The terms of the agreement currently being drafted would keep us perpetually on the masochistic side of the equation. Right now, we have no dignity and no relationship. At the very least, let’s save our dignity.”
Israel Hayom notes that “The reconciliation agreement with Turkey strikes the wrong chord with many Israelis and no explanation of the deal’s vital benefits will change their minds.” The author points out that the force behind the agreement was realpolitik, “level-headed policy considerations rooted in reality,” and adds: “After too much bad blood between them in recent years, Israel and Turkey decided to make amends.”
Globes asserts: “Israel has conceded Turkish demands and betrayed allies in return for illusory gains,” and states: “in the presumed absence of any secret side agreements, the terms of the diplomatic rapprochement between Israel and Turkey would seem to be if anything worse than the deal with Iran negotiated by the US and other countries concerning Iran’s nuclear weapons plans, which was so vehemently opposed by the current Israeli government.”
Gilad Sharon, Mati Tuchfeld and Norman Bailey wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot, Israel Hayom and Globes, respectively. |
