The philosopher-writer Ayn Rand begins her classic The Virtue of Selfishness by addressing the question, "Why use the word 'selfishness' when that word antagonizes so many people?" Her answer: "For the reason that makes you afraid of it." Likewise, I know that the title of my article will evoke an angered reaction from the many dedicated and good-willed individuals who have worked long and hard - indeed, continue to work diligently - on behalf of MK Natan Sharansky and his Yisrael B'Aliya (YBA) party. A la Ayn Rand, my response: I entitle this article accordingly for the very reason that disturbs them.
Let me start by unequivocally stating that this is not an attempt to discredit any individual member of the YBA political party. Quite the contrary. I myself can be numbered among those who feel a sense of personal admiration for Mr. Sharansky, acknowledge both his and YBA's previous achievements, and appreciate the recently adopted "Now We Have a Voice" marketing slogan targeting the Anglo-Saxon community. As such, for this writer, YBA met three out of the four essential criteria (as it does for others like myself) when it comes to the choice of any political party; namely: deep admiration and genuine respect for the individual(s), the party's (or individual's) impressive record of achievements, and the sincere effort of that party to reach out to its constituency. However, I believe I speak for the ?silent majority" of western olim when I state that it is the latter consideration that has taken center stage over the past several months of this election campaign. As a result, the fourth, and by all accounts the most crucial, consideration - identification with the party's platform - has been "window-dressed" so as to divert attention from the political-security arena.
The fact is, an increasing number of English-speaking olim, much like their disenchanted counterparts from the former Soviet Union, have admitted that their attraction to YBA mostly stems from Yisrael B'Aliya being perceived as precisely that - the advocates for new immigrants. These same intellectually honest individuals continue to express (somewhat apologetically, I might add) their ambivalence concerning YBA Chairman Sharansky's vision for a potential Palestinian state. Many have even confided their distaste for that component of the YBA platform. Nonetheless, they rationalize, "membership in an 'Anglo division' of a reputable political party will finally enable us to have representation in the Knesset." Let us emphatically remind these well-intentioned members of Israeli society: this is a classic example of "too little, too late."
MK Sharansky maintains that a Palestinian state can, in fact, be created on the west bank of the Jordan River, but only after Chairman Arafat has been removed, and the Palestinian Authority revamped as a democratic entity. Whom better than he, Mr. Sharansky argues, can testify as to the viability of a formerly dictatorial regime being remolded into a Western, democratic sovereignty. A seemingly convincing argument from a brilliant international hero, except for one problem: Mr. Sharansky is wrong.
He is mistaken when he overlooks the uniqueness of the 3000-year history of the Jewish people. He is grossly incorrect when he fails to include the provincial claims of Israel's Arab population in the broader context of the most severe global threat - namely, Islamic fundamentalism. Our region?s history shows all-too-clearly how pre-conceived notions and oversights of even the most well-trained strategy experts resulted in tragedy and near-total disaster. The 1973 Yom Kippur War, appropriately known as Hamechdal in Hebrew (The Great Mistake), could have been softened, if not prevented, by a preemptive strike, were it not for the fundamentally flawed attitudes of the top intelligence brass. More recently, FBI agent Colleen Rowley blew the whistle with an internal memo charging the US agency with disregarding warning signs of the impending September 11 attacks.
A Minister in Ariel Sharon's Cabinet, Mr. Sharansky also served as a member of a Security Council that failed in its very raison d??tre. An increase in terrorist attacks, an increase in fatalities, and an increasing sense of insecurity has plagued our nation over the last two years. Prime Minister Sharon has already publicly announced his intention of forming another national unity government should he and his Likud party be re-elected, as all the polls, in fact, indicate will happen. MK Sharansky will presumably be given another important post in such a government. Such a government will work in earnest toward the creation of a Palestinian state within the borders of the historic Land of Israel. Such a government will thus perpetuate the continuation of both internal and global terrorism, with no end in sight.
An alternative does exist, however, to the failed 1993 Oslo Peace accords. An alternative does exist to the fatally flawed notion of uprooting Jewish communities. An alternative does exist for proponents of Aliyah, including western olim. I urge you, my fellow citizens and "lovers of Zion," to consider voting for Ichud Ha'Leumi (the National Union party), which has chosen born-and-bred Anglo Mr. Uri Bank as number ten on its list for the 16th Knesset of Medinat Yisrael.
Contrary to popular misconception, it was really Mr. Bank, approached by the Association of Americans & Canadians in Israel (of which he and I are both life-members), who persuaded MK's from his Ichud faction to help change those parts of the proposed tax-reform that were discriminatory toward Anglo olim. In fact, the A.A.C.I. commended the Chairmen of the Knesset's Aliya Committee, Ichud MK Zvi Hendel and Ichud MK Benny Elon, for their efforts.
Even more importantly, however, the Ichud HaLeumi is the only political party that seeks just that - Unity for the Nation. The National Union is the only party whose leaders have acted upon the realization that smaller splinter parties undermine the ability of a national camp to form a government. Despite every effort to include NRP (the National Religious Party), Herut, and yes, Yisrael B'Aliya, in this truly united faction, each of these respective "religious," "right-wing," and "olim" parties have, regrettably, refused to join in this initiative. Rather, each stubbornly insists on running as a separate (even one-man) party, representing the secluded interests of a single sector of the population.
As I began with what I maintain are the four fundamental reasons why one should vote for a political party - any political party - it is only fitting that I proudly indicate the four main reasons why I have chosen to not only vote for, but volunteer on behalf of, the National Union. First, the Ichud stands a realistic chance of becoming the third largest Israeli party by obtaining what is expected to be twelve mandates. Second, and subsequent to the former, the Ichud offers a potentially viable governing/ruling alternative for an Israeli populace that is becoming increasingly less tolerant of maintaining the status-quo. Third, the Ichud - via its Yisrael Beiteinu, Moledet and T'kumah broad-based electorate - is a working partnership that truly reflects the present character of our Jewish State. Fourth, the National Union represents what was defined by the late Rechavam Ze'evi as the three quintessential Zionist values: defending the Homeland (moledet), Aliyah, and settling the Land of Israel.
To paraphrase veteran-oleh Uri Bank, rather than simply talk about the importance of ingathering the Jewish people from around the world, the National Union seeks to unite new immigrants with veteran Israelis, unite religious and secular, and unite residents of urban centers, development towns and communities throughout Judea-Samaria. Regardless of whether or not one already officially belongs to a political party, sufficient time remains to consider (or reconsider) the fact that there is another option for the Anglo and/or Religious Zionist voter. After all, this coming election is not simply about the glorification of the minor achievements of the past. It is about correcting its grave mistakes.
--------------------------------------------------------
Rafi Lisker is the Administrative Director of a predominantly Anglo Yeshiva in the Jerusalem region, and past North American Director of Tehilla - the Union for Religious Aliyah.
Let me start by unequivocally stating that this is not an attempt to discredit any individual member of the YBA political party. Quite the contrary. I myself can be numbered among those who feel a sense of personal admiration for Mr. Sharansky, acknowledge both his and YBA's previous achievements, and appreciate the recently adopted "Now We Have a Voice" marketing slogan targeting the Anglo-Saxon community. As such, for this writer, YBA met three out of the four essential criteria (as it does for others like myself) when it comes to the choice of any political party; namely: deep admiration and genuine respect for the individual(s), the party's (or individual's) impressive record of achievements, and the sincere effort of that party to reach out to its constituency. However, I believe I speak for the ?silent majority" of western olim when I state that it is the latter consideration that has taken center stage over the past several months of this election campaign. As a result, the fourth, and by all accounts the most crucial, consideration - identification with the party's platform - has been "window-dressed" so as to divert attention from the political-security arena.
The fact is, an increasing number of English-speaking olim, much like their disenchanted counterparts from the former Soviet Union, have admitted that their attraction to YBA mostly stems from Yisrael B'Aliya being perceived as precisely that - the advocates for new immigrants. These same intellectually honest individuals continue to express (somewhat apologetically, I might add) their ambivalence concerning YBA Chairman Sharansky's vision for a potential Palestinian state. Many have even confided their distaste for that component of the YBA platform. Nonetheless, they rationalize, "membership in an 'Anglo division' of a reputable political party will finally enable us to have representation in the Knesset." Let us emphatically remind these well-intentioned members of Israeli society: this is a classic example of "too little, too late."
MK Sharansky maintains that a Palestinian state can, in fact, be created on the west bank of the Jordan River, but only after Chairman Arafat has been removed, and the Palestinian Authority revamped as a democratic entity. Whom better than he, Mr. Sharansky argues, can testify as to the viability of a formerly dictatorial regime being remolded into a Western, democratic sovereignty. A seemingly convincing argument from a brilliant international hero, except for one problem: Mr. Sharansky is wrong.
He is mistaken when he overlooks the uniqueness of the 3000-year history of the Jewish people. He is grossly incorrect when he fails to include the provincial claims of Israel's Arab population in the broader context of the most severe global threat - namely, Islamic fundamentalism. Our region?s history shows all-too-clearly how pre-conceived notions and oversights of even the most well-trained strategy experts resulted in tragedy and near-total disaster. The 1973 Yom Kippur War, appropriately known as Hamechdal in Hebrew (The Great Mistake), could have been softened, if not prevented, by a preemptive strike, were it not for the fundamentally flawed attitudes of the top intelligence brass. More recently, FBI agent Colleen Rowley blew the whistle with an internal memo charging the US agency with disregarding warning signs of the impending September 11 attacks.
A Minister in Ariel Sharon's Cabinet, Mr. Sharansky also served as a member of a Security Council that failed in its very raison d??tre. An increase in terrorist attacks, an increase in fatalities, and an increasing sense of insecurity has plagued our nation over the last two years. Prime Minister Sharon has already publicly announced his intention of forming another national unity government should he and his Likud party be re-elected, as all the polls, in fact, indicate will happen. MK Sharansky will presumably be given another important post in such a government. Such a government will work in earnest toward the creation of a Palestinian state within the borders of the historic Land of Israel. Such a government will thus perpetuate the continuation of both internal and global terrorism, with no end in sight.
An alternative does exist, however, to the failed 1993 Oslo Peace accords. An alternative does exist to the fatally flawed notion of uprooting Jewish communities. An alternative does exist for proponents of Aliyah, including western olim. I urge you, my fellow citizens and "lovers of Zion," to consider voting for Ichud Ha'Leumi (the National Union party), which has chosen born-and-bred Anglo Mr. Uri Bank as number ten on its list for the 16th Knesset of Medinat Yisrael.
Contrary to popular misconception, it was really Mr. Bank, approached by the Association of Americans & Canadians in Israel (of which he and I are both life-members), who persuaded MK's from his Ichud faction to help change those parts of the proposed tax-reform that were discriminatory toward Anglo olim. In fact, the A.A.C.I. commended the Chairmen of the Knesset's Aliya Committee, Ichud MK Zvi Hendel and Ichud MK Benny Elon, for their efforts.
Even more importantly, however, the Ichud HaLeumi is the only political party that seeks just that - Unity for the Nation. The National Union is the only party whose leaders have acted upon the realization that smaller splinter parties undermine the ability of a national camp to form a government. Despite every effort to include NRP (the National Religious Party), Herut, and yes, Yisrael B'Aliya, in this truly united faction, each of these respective "religious," "right-wing," and "olim" parties have, regrettably, refused to join in this initiative. Rather, each stubbornly insists on running as a separate (even one-man) party, representing the secluded interests of a single sector of the population.
As I began with what I maintain are the four fundamental reasons why one should vote for a political party - any political party - it is only fitting that I proudly indicate the four main reasons why I have chosen to not only vote for, but volunteer on behalf of, the National Union. First, the Ichud stands a realistic chance of becoming the third largest Israeli party by obtaining what is expected to be twelve mandates. Second, and subsequent to the former, the Ichud offers a potentially viable governing/ruling alternative for an Israeli populace that is becoming increasingly less tolerant of maintaining the status-quo. Third, the Ichud - via its Yisrael Beiteinu, Moledet and T'kumah broad-based electorate - is a working partnership that truly reflects the present character of our Jewish State. Fourth, the National Union represents what was defined by the late Rechavam Ze'evi as the three quintessential Zionist values: defending the Homeland (moledet), Aliyah, and settling the Land of Israel.
To paraphrase veteran-oleh Uri Bank, rather than simply talk about the importance of ingathering the Jewish people from around the world, the National Union seeks to unite new immigrants with veteran Israelis, unite religious and secular, and unite residents of urban centers, development towns and communities throughout Judea-Samaria. Regardless of whether or not one already officially belongs to a political party, sufficient time remains to consider (or reconsider) the fact that there is another option for the Anglo and/or Religious Zionist voter. After all, this coming election is not simply about the glorification of the minor achievements of the past. It is about correcting its grave mistakes.
--------------------------------------------------------
Rafi Lisker is the Administrative Director of a predominantly Anglo Yeshiva in the Jerusalem region, and past North American Director of Tehilla - the Union for Religious Aliyah.