Update (December 30, 2022)
The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor remains deeply concerned about many of the individuals who make up Israel’s newest government, sworn in on December 29, 2022. Now, more than ever, the work of Federation’s partner organizations in Israel is critical to strengthening a shared civil society for all Israelis.
Original Statement (November 3, 2022)
For the fifth time since 2019, Israelis went to the polls earlier this week for free and fair democratic elections. Based on the election results, it is expected that Likud Leader Benjamin Netanyahu will be selected to form the next government and will return to office as Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister. The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor holds a deep respect for, and commitment to, the democratic process, both in our country and in Israel. We welcome and support the efforts already underway by the current government to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.
While the makeup of the new government coalition will take weeks to finalize, we are deeply concerned about the success of ultra-nationalist faction Otzma Yehudit (“Jewish Strength”) led by Itamar Ben Gvir, a self-described follower of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane. Kahane’s Kach party was previously banned by Israel and was declared a terrorist organization by both Israel and the United States. Inclusion of Ben Gvir and his party could negatively impact a range of issues, including civil concerns like marriage and conversions, the rights of LGBTQ Israelis, Israel-Jewish diaspora relations, and relations between Jewish and Arab Israelis and Palestinians.
The Jewish Federation embraces the right of Jews to self-determination and sovereignty in our ancient homeland of Israel and supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We also support a strong and enduring U.S.-Israel relationship and equal rights and protections for all of Israel’s citizens.
The result of this election may indeed have consequences, but it does not change Federation’s commitment to supporting a strong shared civil society in Israel. As we have done for decades, we will continue to work with our partner organizations to promote religious equality and pluralism, strengthen educational opportunities for Ethiopian immigrants, build positive lasting relationships between Jewish and Arab individuals and communities, and provide support for vulnerable and marginalized populations.