For the sake of Peace and Israel in the world, do not compromise!

For the sake of Peace and Israel in the world, do not compromise!

By Kvutzat Shahaf , Hashomer Hatzair Tnua Olamit, 11/02/09

Miss Livni, Mister Barak, for the sake of the Peace process and of the State of Israel in the eyes of the world, Do not compromise!

After the results of this election, one statement can be made: the center-left has lost.

This has to be taken in consideration, but this doesn't mean the center-left can't make things change any more! For the sake of this change, not the one of political power, do not enter a national-unity coalition!

We deeply love the state of Israel and care about its future. Therefore, after these elections, 3 main questions are worrying us.

First of all, having lived in Israel for the last five months, and having experienced the kassam rockets, living two kilometers from the border, we can't see any other alternative other than a peace agreement with the Palestinians. The peace process is essential to a stability in the region, for the sake of Israel's economy and its social questions. Advances in that matter are a matter of life and death, the situation is getting worse every day; we can't wait any more!

Secondly, over the years, Israel turned, from a model in the matter (developed country with less gaps between rich and poor) to the country where these gaps are the greatest in the world; where for the sake of capitalism, the poorest and the immigrants are left behind. Is Israel still the state of the Jews, this people, that revolutionised the world claiming that one day of resting should be compulsory, that slaves should be released after 49 years and that a big part of the harvest should be left for the sick, the widow and the orphan?

And finally, as Jews coming from all over the world, this situation worries us because of the image of Israel in our countries. The other nations that supported the idea of a pacific homeland for the Jewish people are asking themselves if this is not turning into an imperialistic nationalistic-religious conquest of the region.

After the events of Gaza and the anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish reactions all over the world, it is imperative to remember that outside support is a vital condition for the existence of any small state with big and powerful enemies.

In fact, after ’67 war, the international support that the small Jewish people, survivors of the Shoah and oppressed in all times, received, turned into a criticism of the aggression and the occupation of the Palestinian people. The violence in which this criticism degenerated is obviously condemnable. However, Criticism was not only the voice from the left-wing extremists and the Arab minorities but also the one of a huge part of the world's public opinion.

The risk is that this criticism becomes stronger and stronger and that States or organisations will take measures and sanctions against Israel. As Ben Gurion told it: "What matters is not what the Gentiles will say, but what the Jews will do". The Jews built their dream, without taking care of what the others thought. But, we are in the way to ruin it. Our fear is that now the Gentiles will do[1]!

We are Zionists and love Israel. We think that every nation has the right to self-determination in his own country. That's precisely why we think that in order to be a safe, stable and happy place, the only way Israel must take is the way of sincere negotiations with the Palestinians, in order to give them this right to self determination in their own Palestinian country.

A right-wing government will just continue on the way adopted in the last few years, tackle the peace process, support drastic anti-social measures and cause more and more external disagreement.

A national-unity government of the right, with or without Labour, will not be stable nor able to change anything, and, if it does, for sure not in the right way!

In order to change Israel's future, in the view of this results and as time is lacking, the best option would be an alliance between Kadima and Avoda in order to form a big center-left bloc.

In fact there are no major ideological differences between the two parties and only united they will be able to form a stable government with a stable 40-seats central bloc.

As Aluf Benn states it in his analysis[2], the merge would bolster those who support a two-state solution with the Palestinians and a peace agreement with Syria, and would hurt the right-wing MKs that would seek to block any such deal.

As a matter of fact, if the party will be able to form a coalition that they lead (the majority is 60 seats), their program will more easily be adopted and a better situation is to expect.

If they don't do so and the right-wing will rule the country, they will be able to speak as one strong voice against hawk's and anti-social positions, supporting every action taken in the opposite direction.

If such an agreement is not to reach, Mr Barak, do not compromise and stick to your statements[3] ! Follow the way advised by most of Labour MKs, accept your defeat and do not, for reasons of power or interests, serve as a fourth or fifth branch in a national-unity government!

As education minister,Yuli Tamir tells it[4]: « The Israeli public said its piece and sent (Labour) to the opposition, we need to respect the public desire and sit outside the government » Only in this position, Labour will be able to renew itself, criticise governmental actions when it's needed and be considered by the people as a necessary alternative, the peace-seeking social-democratic party it has to symbolise.

As a garin, most of us supported Meretz, as the only real left wing Zionist alternative. Unfortunately, this alternative is now very weak. Take in account, Miss Livni, Mister Barak, that a lot of your votes come from this part of the opinion, that, for the sake of peace, supported you, hoping that strengthening big center-left parties would be able to make their voice heard. For them, for Israel and Middle Eastern future, Do not compromise!

Kvutsat Shahaf, is composed by 16 members from 10 kenim of Hashomer Hatzair Europe, North America and Australia. They are currently in their “Shnat Hachshara” in Israel. They lived 3 months in Kibbutz Holit and are now based in kibbutz Mishmar Haemek.
[1] as it is already happening in Spain (trial in front of the united Nations Human Rights court) and Belgium (ban on weapon sales to Israel)
[2] http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1063131.html
[3] Prior to elections, Labor Chairman Ehud Barak said he would not accept a renewed post of defense minister if Labor received fewer than 20 mandates

[4] http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3669805,00.html