Netanyahu Opposition

The opposition to the Netanyahu government in Israel is making a mistake in my way of thinking. It is wrong at the outset to negate the participation of Arab parties in the new government. I know that this is being done partly by sentiment and partly by fear that such an inclusion will chase away possible voters from the Likud party.

However, for peace in Israel and peace in the region there must be recognition of the Arab minority in Israel. Arabic should be restored as an official language. There is a long and glorious history of Jews in Arab lands and the influence of Arabic on Hebrew poetry. Moreover, Israel as a democratic state that recognizes the rights and responsibilities of non-Jewish citizens will be more readily accepted into the fabric of the Near East.

Education in its finest presentation brings understanding. Refusing to acknowledge the existence, culture and history of the Arab population is not a key to preservation but an invitation for justified criticism.

From the time that the people left Egypt to the present-day Jewish life has been enriched by the influx of those of different origins and the intellectual life of the people has been enriched.

Now is the time for what Menachem Begin called “civil courage.” With the return of the whole of the Sinai peace was established with Egypt that has survived all the tempests tht have engulfed the region since that time.

Laying the groundwork for peace sometimes takes more courage than ordering war. Be strong, Be strong and let us strengthen one another!