Beilin after bowing out of Meretz chairmanship race: I saved this party
At Tel-Aviv press conference held Sunday, Meretz-Yahad head MK Yossi Beilin announces he will no longer contend for his party’s chairmanship. Beilin will run for upcoming Knesset elections, thinks Meretz is still significant political force
“I would have endorsed ‘Jumas’ for party leadership instead of running myself were he contending at the time,” said Beilin. “Due to the strong ideological bonds and friendship that I shared with ‘Jumas’, I decided not to run against him for party chairman, and in many respects I saved the Meretz Party by doing so,” said Beilin.
Beilin also maintained that one of his party’s chief problems are public doubts as to its relevance, though he feels that the party is as vital and important to the state of Israel as ever: “This party is a beacon, a compass, a guide. Thanks to Meretz the entire Knesset speaks Geneva-ese (the 'language' of the Geneva peace accords). What we need to do is find ways to attract voters to Meretz and increase its political power."
Reactions to Beilin’s stunning announcement ranged from complimentary to downright disparaging. Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Eli Yishai praised Beilin Sunday saying: “I never agreed with Beilin and the ideological gulf between us was vast. However, he has always been an honest and noble man who worked in an extraordinary fashion for what he believed, and in the most gracious manner possible.”
In stark contrast, MK Ran Cohen was less than lauding towards Beilin. “Beilin’s support of Oron amounts to nothing more than the creation of a ‘leadership bubble’ within the party meant to preserve the same leadership that has failed it. To that end, I am officially announcing my candidacy for the Meretz chairmanship, in an attempt to restore public faith in the party, and make it politically relevant once more.”
'Yossi failed to bring the party together'
MK Zahava Gal-On, chairwoman of the Meretz faction, said that “Beilin has an immense amount of talent and credentials, but he took a responsible step in deciding to step down as party chairman. This allows Meretz to be a broad-based, expansive party once more.”
MK Oron, who was formally endorsed for the chairmanship role by Beilin, said: “I respect, cherish, and laud Beiln’s decision and value his support. His decision puts the party before all other political squabbles and petty considerations. Meretz can now close its ranks and work more resolutely than ever for peace and equality in Israel.
Even within the Meretz Party’s old guard, reviews of Beilin’s reign as chairman were mixed at best. Shulamit Aloni, former Meretz chairman, described Beilin as a “very talented, creative man who failed because of his inability to work as part of a team. He would never call to consult with me, I would always consult with him”, she said.
“If only he would learn to work with others things would be so much different.”
Former minister Yossi Sarid lamented that Meretz lost some of its “spark” during Beilin’s reign as chairman. “Meretz did not show it true colors during Beilin’s reign. The party had always been identified with several key issues, and he was mum on these important matters,” he said.
All in all, most of the Meretz ‘old guard’, such as former MK Naomi Hazan, seem to describe the Beilin candidacy as a tired, defeated era. “Yossi failed to bring the party together and to draw the Israeli public to the Meretz platform”.
Trumping all reactions to Beilin’s retirement, however, was Baruch Marzel of the extreme right National Jewish Front, who proposed a unique “parting gift” for Beilin: A commemorative book with photos and personal stories of various victims of terror.
Yossi Beilin was born in Petah Tikva in 1948. He studied Hebrew Literature and Political Science at Tel-Aviv University, where he earned his PhD. He was first elected to the Knesset in 1988, serving as deputy secretary of the treasury. He was elected chairman of the Meretz-Yahad party in 2004.
Roi Mandel contributed to this article
