Every Knesset Member Should Think About How They Get Up in the Morning and Serve the Public

Ma’ariv, Israel, November 24

Last week, Likud Member of Knesset Dudi Amsalem came out with harsh rebukes against the incumbent government. Had the criticism been sensible or relevant to the government’s dysfunction or its course of action, his remarks should have been valid. But Amsalem’s speech consisted of a deluge of vile and anti-democratic remarks against law enforcement authorities, the High Court, the State Attorney’s Office, the police, and citizens of the State of Israel. And when a member of Knesset, who is meant to represent the State and its institutions, tramples upon the very foundations of government, our entire democratic system is jeopardized. The Knesset is a symbol of the state and its members enjoy immunity and are committed to represent the people. A person who preaches against state institutions is worthy of neither representing the state nor receiving a salary from the taxpayer. A member of the opposition is expected to propose appropriate alternative courses of action to that of the government, present shortcomings, submit substantive inquiries, streamline proposals and bills, and participate in Knesset committees. Just think of Menachem Begin, who excelled in the position of opposition leader and earned a reputation as an eloquent and sharp orator. The standard Hebrew he used is like Chinese for some of today’s Knesset members, who use curses and street language. It would have been appropriate for Amsalem’s fellow members of the opposition to condemn his inciting discourse instead of standing idly by. It is time for our elected officials to internalize that a publicly elected position requires a degree of professionalism and respect for state institutions. At a time when the violence in the country is escalating, there is no place for such words to be voiced, let alone by an elected official. On days like these, voices of calm, reconciliation, and unity should be heard from elected officials. A Knesset member has the opportunity to bring about change in our collective discourse, whether in speeches or in social initiatives. Instead of engaging in subversion and incitement, every Knesset member should think about how he or she gets up tomorrow morning and serves the public; how he or she can make life easier here, how he or she can make this country better. How he or she can launch collaborations, connect communities, promote social, business and technological initiatives. For the benefit of the people and the state; and not for narrow personal and political benefit. –Orit Miller (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)