Covenant
Covenant (אמנה)
The Bereshit Covenant
Israel's journey of repair
Background
On Simchat Torah, October 7, 2023, one thousand two hundred Israelis of all ages and backgrounds were brutally murdered, and an additional two hundred and forty were abducted and taken hostage in Gaza. This unprovoked attack and the war that ensued, occurred against a backdrop of profound division within Israeli society- a rift so deep that our adversaries misconstrued our internal disagreements as a sign of weakness and decided to test the resilience of our spirit.Yet, in the face of this unparalleled turmoil, something remarkable transpired. The war ignited a fervour and unity amongst Israelis that transcended the barriers of cultural diversity. Israelis of all persuasions came together, both on the battlefield and on the home front, proving that our enemies had made a grave mistake; demonstrating through deeds the oft spoken slogan of this war “Together - we will prevail”.
Now, in tribute to all our fallen soldiers and the innocent civilian victims of the war, we must not regress into the abyss of division and polarization that plagued us before. This pivotal moment demands a recalibration of our collective consciousness. We stand resolute in our commitment to forge a path of unity, hand in hand.
A Call to Repair and Renewal
In the face of this imperative, we proclaim our unwavering dedication to not only unite in war, but also to rehabilitate our land and society in the aftermath of this conflict. Let us join hands, bound by brotherhood and partnership, for the reconstruction of Israeli society - together. This together is not just a hollow phrase, but must be the guiding principle that governs our actions:
Together, we will mend the wounds of our nation. Together, we shall resolve conflicts, together we will reinvigorate the covenant of our daily existence as a sovereign nation and state, together we will lay the foundations of a just society, and together, we shall revive the very spirit of Israel.
We will cast aside the divisive tendencies that have torn us apart, embracing instead a culture of mutual respect. We will show compassion for the authenticity of each other's concerns and fears, assuming the good intentions of our fellow citizens. Together, we shall embark upon a journey of compromise, reforming our society and state through the power of dialogue and cooperation, valuing the rich tapestry of beliefs and opinions that constitute the mosaic of Israeli society.
The Challenges Ahead
The path to rehabilitation and rebuilding that lies before us demands a multifaceted approach comprised of three crucial pillars:
1. Rehabilitation: We must dedicate ourselves to the restoration of our state and its institutions, the rejuvenation of communities ravaged by conflict along the Western Negev and Northern borders, and the physical and mental healing of victims, our economy, security, and public services.
2. Renewal of our National Alliance: Trust must be rekindled, partnerships rebuilt between diverse sectors of our society. We will draft a new national social contract, redefining the intricate dynamics of religion and state. This transformative endeavour will aim to resolve the tension inherent in our nation being both democratic and Jewish, while honoring the inherent value of each. We will fortify the foundations of a governing structure that ensures the separation and equilibrium of powers, embodying the democratic essence of the Jewish state and guaranteeing freedom and equal rights in the spirit of Israel’s Declaration of Independence.
3. Renewal of the Spirit: To rebuild, we must re-envision our national ethos, embracing an elevated Israeli Spirit that evokes hope within every citizen, enabling us to have a common dream that we can realize, together. This renewed Israeli spirit, will embrace the kaleidoscope of our beliefs, values, visions, and aspirations – the threads that weave together our nation's grand tapestry. Drawing inspiration from the wellspring of our biblical narrative, Jewish heritage, Zionist fervour, and democratic tradition, including our cherished Declaration of Independence, we will craft a vision for a society that aspires to our loftiest ideals.
Four Principles of Unity in Action
We, intellectuals, and practitioners representing the diversity of Israeli society, call upon our fellow citizens and leaders of the state to align their actions with four unyielding principles.
1. Unifying Discourse: Through attentive and respectful dialogue, we will delineate clear boundaries for public discourse. We will not accept the delegitimization of any sector or ideological group, casting aside divisive and offensive rhetoric while combating the spread of falsehoods and "fake news".
2. Restoring Confidence in Leadership: Post-war, the healing process of our fractured society will require responsible leadership that seeks the renewed trust of our people. We respectfully call for the establishment of a mutually agreed-upon timeline for elections this year, taking into consideration the security realities we face. Let us rally behind a broad-based government that reflects the rich diversity of Israeli society. Our leaders must embody the virtues of integrity, humility, and a sincere commitment to the long term common good, making decisions informed by a vision that transcends narrow political and social confines. This approach is paramount for the preservation of our unity and will help guard against the pitfalls of future divisions.
3. Respecting and Preserving our Statehood as a Paramount Value while keeping the people’s army, the IDF, outside of all political considerations and divisions: We will preserve the overarching principle of statehood, shielding national and religious symbols from harm. With unwavering courage and a relentless pursuit of truth, we shall conduct thorough investigations into the war, all while ensuring that the Israeli Defence Forces retain their mantle as an army that unifies and protects all citizens.
4. Consensus and Partnership: Any material amendments that usher in societal change, be it pertaining to the essence of our Jewish and democratic character, our governmental structure, or even our borders, shall be possible only with broad national consensus, and not by unilateral measures. To this end, we shall establish a Public Council comprising outstanding intellectuals, visionaries, and domain experts, who are not constrained by political partisanship. This Council will reflect our nation's rich diversity. and will derive its authority from the Knesset. It shall spearhead the formulation of a new national social contract, engendering a comprehensive constitution and visionary roadmap for Israel. The Council's recommendations shall serve as the basis for a legislative process in the Knesset.
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We call upon every segment of Israeli society and all political parties to rally behind these principles. Together, let us raise our voices in prayer for victory over the enemies that seek to destroy us and that our hostages and soldiers return home safely.
Through the indomitable power of our unity, we will rebuild our society and our homeland. This is our belief, our hope, and our commitment.
Join us, for the sake of our brothers and sisters.
May peace be upon you.