The cancellation of the Israel Prize is a shameful testament to the erosion of the state’s institutions. Even in the wake of a failed judicial reform, Israel under Netanyahu is beginning to resemble a dictatorship, with a push to exert control over the legal, security, media, and education systems. Education Minister Yoav Kisch isn’t happy with the identity of the person chosen to receive the Israel Prize for entrepreneurship? No problem. Let’s cancel the prize altogether. This decision represents a blow to the spirit and resilience of the Jewish people. Where is the regard for science, culture, and the arts? Where is the concern for Israel’s future, and where is the valor to engage opponents while respecting their accomplishments? This is the essence of leadership, but regrettably, leadership is lacking in Israel at this time. The issue extends beyond the decision to cancel the prize. It reflects a disregard for national symbols and a preference for personal interests over broader societal good. Furthermore, a disconcerting compromise between President Herzog and Minister Kisch has facilitated a form of McCarthyism. It appears that a separate, discreet ceremony may be arranged to avoid criticism. This government seems intent on avoiding confronting criticism head-on. If there were strong leadership in Israel, steps would be taken to prevent discrimination in recruitment practices and advance an equal military enlistment law. However, appeasing the 64-party coalition seems to take precedence over promoting equality in national service. Fear of ultra-Orthodox parties undermining the government hampers meaningful progress. Instead of implementing a recruitment policy that encompasses all ultra-Orthodox individuals, efforts focus on unholy compromises. Every ultra-Orthodox individual should be enlisted, regardless of their focus on religious study. Equality in service must be enforced, especially given the current security situation. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s revelations regarding ultra-Orthodox recruitment could spark a productive dialogue within the government. Yet, he is met with disdain instead of support. Those who dare challenge Netanyahu are met with derision from his supporters, including right-wing figures. Their fearlessness is misconstrued as disloyalty. Sound leadership in Israel would have prevented the chaos of the judicial reform that divided the nation. Upholding a leader who unites, rather than divides, is crucial. Israel requires a leader who is courageous, accountable, sincere, impartial, embracing of criticism, and who places the nation and democracy at the forefront of their agenda. Netanyahu isn’t that leader. —Yossi Hadar (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
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