Even though it has been coming for years PM Sharon’s declaration that Jewish historical ties and claims to the land are not exclusive and other peoples could have legitimate claims to the land as well, killed any viability to secular Zionism
The ceding. of Gush Katif and removal of its population underscores the depth of the present government’s lack of ideology, the rifts between secular and religious, Dati and Charadi became all too clear. Among the various personalities interviewed on Arutz Sheva one thing is clear, a sea change in attitude must take place.
A Jewish child in Eretz Yisrael who sees Avraham Avinu as George Washington and not his or her own Zayde/ Saba is unconscionable. While the population becoming fully Torah observant is desirable but there must be a way to convey our tradition to the entire Jewish community within the state. Every country is invested in teaching its youth about its history and values, how else is patriotism nurtured? How else is a nation going to stay on track and true to its character? Otherwise, the apparatus of government serves only those in power and no one else. Only an on going sense of purpose and enduring values can counteract the intoxicating effects of power and privilege.
Jewish pride must surge through the Jewish population of the state. Appreciate of the deep spiritual and historic concretion between the people and land, the values, insights and concepts which have held Jewry over the centuries should serve the contemporary Israeli as well. Now this cannot be some bland lifeless curriculum, but the living dynamic force that is Torah. The notion that Torah belongs only to those in between knitted kippot with designs and the knitted kapplech tied with a knot on top must be dispelled. Torah as "...Morasha Kehilat Yaakov" must be put in to practice not just as platitude.
As important the rule of the Supreme Court needs reform now. Limits on standing, justicability, ripeness of claims and restricting the scope of jurisdiction to cases and controversies similar to the restraints placed on the United States Supreme Court in Article Three of the U.S. Constitution as a curb to the present judicial tyranny. As the state has a system granting authority to Clergy and Religious courts as well the Supreme Court’s present jurisdiction over these faith communities clergy and courts’ sphere of authority would and has impaired these institutions integrity.
These are broad ideas but these are dependant not so much who wins but a loud voice coming a sea of black and orange. Maybe the future begins with religious Jewry connecting on the common ground of Talmud and halacha and only then to the agree to disagree arena of haskafa.
