delray beach orthodox rabbi

                                                                                      B"H
                 
​​​​​​​
 Prime Minister Netanyahu - To the Victor Goes the Spoils

I awoke early on the morning of November 2, 2022 and watched continuous updates on the latest Israeli election with bated breath. I was reminded of the haunting prayer melody recited on the high holiday - the prayer that questions who will live and who will not. From a political perspective, who will prevail and who will fail to meet the threshold for inclusion into the Knesset. Would Prime Minister Lapid be triumphant and keep together his shaky coalition or would the right win the fight? Personally, I have no favorites as neither potential coalition is without major flaws. In order to facilitate a majority, both Lapid and Netanyahu must rely upon radical elements to enter their coalition. Unfortunately, a government built on a shaky foundation can rarely rise to lofty heights. More so, dangerous individuals may become power brokers and potentially cause international rifts.

I can’t say I’m happy that Netanyahu was victorious, nor can I say that I would have been happier with a Lapid victory. I find elements on both sides incompatible with my philosophical outlook. As a religious Zionist I find it incompatible to allow rabidly anti-Israel individuals to be part of any Israeli government. My views may be the antithesis of democracy, but I believe a loyalty oath should be mandatory for all members of the Knesset. It should be blatantly clear that anyone who doesn’t believe in the country they are serving shouldn’t serve as a leader of that country. The needs of Israel are vastly different than those of the United States and it is important for people to comprehend this uniqueness. We may all support democracy but must also realize that all democracies are not equal. In the USA separation of church and state is a fundamental principle; in Israel the synagogue and state often overlap. I offer no apologies in acknowledging that Israel is a country created for Jews on the biblical land of their ancestors. History has proven this necessity over two millennia. In host countries Jews are at best tolerated but much too often denigrated, decimated, and disowned. That being said, I’m proud that Israel is not limited to only Jews and all people regardless of their religious beliefs can be Israeli citizens. Hence, I would find it extremely difficult to support a coalition that would include parties that seek to change the unique Jewish essence of the country. But I am equally horrified by those politicians who want Israel to be exclusively Jewish and promote treating citizens of other faiths with disdain and threaten expulsion. I think certain elements on the right should be reminded of the golden rule “Do unto others as you would want others to do to you.”

However, I’m also not enthralled with the inclusion of many religious parties whose ideas are archaic if not regressive. Of course one shouldn’t stereotype as many chareidi (ultra orthodox) serve in the army, have an education, and are productive members of society. They also do an inordinate amount of chesed, as the importance of kindness is imbued in their children from a very young age. I’m more concerned with those who are addicted to “pork” and are willing to sell their souls to the highest bidder. Philosophically, they vehemently disagree with Bibi Netanyahu but nonetheless fervently campaigned on the Bibi bandwagon. They offered their unconditional support to Bibi in exchange for millions and millions of dollars going to their “pork” projects. And as heinous as that is, Mr Netanyahu is equally at fault. He promised the Crown Jewels knowing full well that his policies will eventually cause the people of Israel immeasurable economic hardship.

I enjoy hearing Netanyahu in the role of a statesman as his English is impeccable. I appreciate that he can articulate his message to world leaders. Yet I’m cognizant that he is definitely not the flavor of the month on the international scene. I like that he has a spine and is willing to stand up to international pressure but I’m weary that his spine often appears fused together, unable or unwilling to bend regardless of the consequences. I'm delighted that Israel is a global force to be reckoned with but I’m also cognizant that we still have far more enemies than friends. But deep down, I am really uncomfortable with a politician facing criminal proceedings being catapulted above the law.

​​​​​​​I share my thoughts albeit cognizant that my opinions will have no bearing on the makeup of the new Knesset and coalition. Furthermore, I share my thoughts or criticisms as a means of personally comprehending the magnitude of the election. That being said, I want to be perfectly clear that I support the political system in Israel even if I find fault with it. I unequivocally support the next prime minister of Israel and his political team. The world is full of Kanye Wests and Kyrie Irvings who hate us because they can. Well, I love us because I can and I certainly won’t apologize for that.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Jack Engel