28 Nov 2011
Rhonda —
Our partners in the fight for Israel’s future at the New Israel Fund have asked us to stand with them in urging the Israeli government to reject two new legislative proposals that undercut the country’s democratic principles.
The proposed laws would limit and then tax foreign government contributions to Israeli advocacy organizations – many of which work to promote and protect democratic principles and human rights.
These laws are but the latest chapter in a disturbing and ongoing assault on the fabric of Israel’s democracy. [For more information see their email below.]
Please sign J Street’s petition to Ambassador Michael Oren conveying the views of pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans on these bills in advance of the Cabinet’s re-consideration of the legislation this Sunday.
Our critique is echoed by several leading democracy advocates with right-of-center political views in Israel. Knesset Speaker Ruby Rivlin — a Likud stalwart — said: "The new Likud is not committed to the ethics of liberty, to the values of Jabotinsky and of Begin."
Another leader in Likud — Minister Benny Begin (who voted against the bills) — commented: "Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Uzbekistan – these are countries that have similar laws to this one." He added: "What kind of society are we living in?"
Together with the New Israel Fund, we are fighting for the future of Israel as the democratic homeland of the Jewish people.
Please make your voice heard today by signing this important petition urging the Israeli government to change course and demonstrate its commitment to democratic ideals.
Thank you,
Jeremy Ben Ami, CEO J STREET