I would like to respond to Rabbi Nemitoff’s open letter to “Bibi,” published in the Feb. 19 edition of The Chronicle.
The rabbi is very concerned about the investigation of Israeli corrupt politicians. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}The country is a democracy and holds its leaders accountable for their behavior. Those actions have been publicized in Israeli and world media. As investigations are either underway or have not been concluded, it is inappropriate for any of us to arrive at conclusions, let alone casting aspersions on the country’s prime minister.
Please let’s leave it in the conscientious hands of Israelis to decide how to deal with these issues. As Rabbi Nemitoff noted, an election is about to take place and it appears that “Bibi” will be re-elected.
Regarding Israel’s Arab citizens, I am certain that they do face discrimination. There most certainly are Israelis who are prejudiced. One may not approve of their behavior and we have to understand why that is. Acts of terrorism committed by some Arabs can make one suspicious and cautious toward them. That is something that the Israelis have to work out for themselves and their fellow Arab citizens.
In the meantime let us take note that Israeli Arabs make up 20 percent of Israel’s population. The treatment they receive contrasts with the treatment of Jews in Arab states. Most of those countries either expelled their Jews or made their lives difficult, despite the fact that they contributed to their countries of residence for millennia. The Palestinian leadership has stated that when they get their own state, no Jews would be allowed to live in it.
A Harvard study found that 77 percent of Arab Israelis would remain in Israel should a Palestinian state be created. Arab Israelis serve in the Knesset, cabinet, on the Supreme Court and hold diplomatic positions. Arab Israelis are not required to serve in Israel’s military, though some volunteer.{/mprestriction}