# 413 – Democracy Wins

Democracy Wins

For years I’ve been screaming, begging or simply asking for a new and officially-approved definition of ‘democracy’. None was forthcoming. And now the reason for this is clear to me. No one, no country, desires it. Each has its own democratic system; swears by it when it works, swears at it when it doesn’t.

It of course starts with the electoral system. Theoretically, there could be one universal electoral procedure, but there isn’t. Here in Israel, we often refer to the British or American or French systems, and even occasionally make a slight change that brings us closer to one (but perhaps further away from others).

Must add that, once a system has been established, it needs to be adhered to. Mahmoud Abbas, was elected President of the Palestinian Authority in 2005. They were supposed to have the next elections by 2009. He is now in his 18th year of the 4-year term. Democratic?

Like in most countries, we are not forced to vote. That happens in 19 countries, including Australia. (I like the idea of being forced to take a moment to think. The voter still has the right to put that cross ‘where he likes’). Like in any ‘democracy’, we have to reap what we sow.

Nowadays, voting habits have changed, much due to social media. The ‘silent majority’, many of whom either did not vote in the past, or just did not care enough to check the consequences of their vote, now follows social media trends. An entertainer with 50 million followers may actually be ‘a very good and intelligent person’. But he/she is followed blindly by many purely for ‘popularity reasons’.

Religious leaders are often followed blindly. That’s certainly the case here in Israel, where these persons are very involved in politics – a big mistake. And another group of powerful extremists are the right-wing – usually religious – zionists. They may once have been almost non-existent, but the continuous conflict with our neighbours, the sad lack of a peaceful solution, has given them power.

These 2 groups were once among the ‘silent majority’, but now they have a voice. They vote, and they vote as their leaders dictate. And at the last election, ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu decided to sell his soul to these groups, in order to save his political future and perhaps avoid further investigation for misdeeds.

The people saw it coming; it was always an electoral possibility. Like UK’s Brexit. Now we have to live with the consequences – until the same system turns into a different direction.

Last week, the government, with its 64-56 majority, passed the 2023-24 budgets. It benefited those within the coalition, which includes bigots, extremists, racists and fascists. There were protests (democratic protests, again without violence – at least something of which to be proud) – but the budget passed. The religious schools will receive more funds. No incentive to study practical subjects. The benefits for the large religious families were increased. No incentive for the religious to do national service, whether militarily, or just to help their communities.

Across the line in the West Bank, more financial support for the settlements – plan to add 1/2 million to the Jewish population there. Oh, and a reduction of funds to the Israeli Arab community, promised during the last government, when an Arab party was part of the coalition.

Had the budget NOT passed, then there would have been another (democratic) election. Now it seems certain that we are stuck with this ugly coalition for at least a couple of years. Our wonderful protests will not change anything. Civil war is perhaps the only other option. Most unlikely.

Avi Maoz is leader of a far right-wing party, Noam. It became part of the current government by joining with other similar parties. Yet, after the ‘successful election’ he split again with them, and is now not only leader of a party with 1 serving member, he is a Minister. He is anti-LGBT rights (the leader of the Knesset is openly gay…), against women doing national service, wants more gender separation in public places. He questions the legitimacy of many citizen’s Judaism, creating sad barriers between Israel and the Diaspora. He with 10 children, God bless him.

For nearly 25 years, I have been trying to ‘defend’ this country from unfair criticism. That’s still the case. But in earlier days, it was easier to blame our woes on that unfair treatment from outside. Today, that is not the case. We have started making mistakes for which we only have ourselves to blame. I have to be careful here. I don’t want to give ammunition to those who oppose Israel and to anti-Semites. (e.g. Roger Walters, Kanye West –  aka Ye, Yeezus, Saint PabloYeezy, Louis Vuitton Don – the leaders of Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas,  Abbas and Emil Kaspar, a once-good friend who hurt me badly with his blind attitude).

Israel always strived to be a ‘light among nations’. Original Zionism was full of such hopes. Israel is still a fantastic place, having achieved so much (including so much good) despite the enormous pressures and obstacles from all directions. It’s still a place where “Wow” is often the first word uttered by visitors. It is still, for some, that light upon nations’. But it is also settling into ugly normality. Would it have made a difference if outside critics had given it the 1-2 generations of the peace and quiet it deserved in order to achieve its ambitions? Perhaps.

The original dreams of Zionism have proven to be too tough to achieve. We’ve become ‘just like any other ‘civilised’ country. Sorry about that. Perhaps now that critics have some real reasons to criticise, they’ll stop.

Stephen

PS – We’re having to slim down on our way of living…I’ve lost a lot of weight, and we’re thinking of moving into this new home…