Dear Friends,
The end of one year and the beginning of another provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the past and look towards the future. In Judaism, the days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are a time of reflection and soul-searching. The past year was a complex and difficult one for human rights in Israel, however among the negative points we have tried to find a positive angle, which gives us hope for new beginnings next year.
The wave of violence that started at the beginning of the year and continued throughout resulted in dozens of victims, mourning families, broken-hearted communities and a whole society of people living their daily lives in fear and uncertainty. This difficult period was characterized by extreme government policies and measures, which unnecessarily harmed basic rights and freedoms, and involved an excessive use of force. The continuing reality of occupation and oppression, a long-standing conflict that varies in intensity and propaganda on both sides has unfortunately become part of our daily routines.
Throughout the year, the Knesset and the government continued to promote initiatives that seek to shrink the democratic space and limit the activities of anyone who does not conform to the political majority. From a social perspective, housing prices continued to rise and reached new heights, and the dream of owning an apartment became more remote than ever for many people. This year, we witnessed with serious concern the continuing violation of the rights of the LGBTQ community – the cancelling of the Gay Pride Parade in Be’er Sheva being only one example.
But there were also some bright moments last year, which give us hope for change. The adoption of the recommendations of the Ministry of Justice Palmor Committee to Eradicate Racism against the Ethiopian Community and other precedents in the fight against discrimination, may indicate the intention of the authorities to take responsibility and fight discrimination and racism more actively. While the Five-Year Plan for the Arab Population (decision 922) raises many questions, one can hope that it marks a change in the government’s attitude towards the Arab minority in Israel and is only the first step towards true and full equality. The abolition of private medical services in Ashdod and the reduction of these services in Jerusalem – alongside an increase in some social security benefits – show that social considerations are being given weight in socio-economic policies.
Shai Agnon wrote in his book, Days of Awe: “When the Holy Days arrive, each person accepts upon themselves to repent and believes in their heart that they will do many things. But the days go past in meditation only, and thoughts do not lead to action.”
If human rights in Israel are important to you, and you want to take an active part in protecting them, then you are invited to turn this idea into practice – join us, support us, and be a significant part of the change.
Yours,
Sharon
Sharon Abraham-Weiss
Executive Director
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel
