Artists urge PM to 'save democracy'
Dozens of artists, intellectuals, academics and former military officials sign letter calling on Netanyahu to freeze legislation targeting courts, media and civil society organizations in Israel
The letter was submitted Sunday to the Knesset speaker, ministers, Knesset faction heads, Supreme Court president and Israeli president. It states that "Benjamin Netanyahu has a clear choice: He could either allow the current wave to continue and turn into the destroyer of democracy and law in Israel, or stop immediately.
"He should announce that the legislation and implementation of all bills targeting the courts, media and civil society organizations in Israel will be frozen at least until the end of the Knesset's winter session. The heads of Netanyahu's coalition have not taken time for self-examination."
The letter, signed by some 70 people, includes a specific reference to Supreme Court President Dorit Beinish's statement on the issue last week. "The Supreme Court president's clear remarks must lead to a complete change in the Israeli reality. Beinish's words are a last warning call.
"The Supreme Court president rightfully criticized each citizen for being too silent over the fact that she, law and democracy are being abandoned to a wave on incitement and have found themselves all alone while facing evil spirits and violence.
"Her remarks echo the slain prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, who found himself abandoned in the face of incitement."
The signatories conclude, "We must not allow this disgrace. This prime minister, who led those protests (against the Oslo Accords) – and was warned by the Shin Bet chief of what could happen – should have at least learned the lesson and changed his ways. Stop this wave of legislation now."
