Israel's Democracy is Eroding
And it was Predictable
Mr. Skeptical asks me, “So you’re talking about the controversial decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to decrease the power of the Supreme Court in Israel.”
“Yes, I am. That ruling has created a political crisis in Israel.”
“Okay, how was this predictable?”
“Israel is supposed to be a democratic republic. However, I have a theory of why Israel is becoming more conservative, to the point that it will soon be a theocracy. There’s Subconscious Fat to discuss here.”
Subconscious Fat at 30,000 feet
First of all, any Jew in the world can move to Israel. One could argue that that is not a democratic value. The country is permitting other humans based on religion. Does that make it already a theocracy? Well, sort of? Maybe? It’s all relative, isn’t it?
Mr. Skeptical leans back in his chair, folding his arms. “The Israeli flag has the Star of David on it. So based on that alone, one could argue it’s a theocracy.”
“Yes, exactly.” I’m a little shocked he’s agreeing with me.
In Israel, there’s the Law of Return. This was established way back on July 5th, 1950. The date is significant because it was chosen on the anniversary of the death of a Zionist visionary named Theodor Herzi.
This forms the basis for my theory. Over time Israel will become more and more conservative as long as this law exists. Because, like all religions, being Jewish has those within it who are more religious than others.
I grew up Catholic. I’ve gone through phases in my life where I was very religious, and I’ve gone through phases where I’m not.
Mr. Skeptical’s eyes narrow in on me. “What phase are you in now?”
“The other day, while researching this post, I came across a video by Neil deGrasse Tyson getting interviewed by Chelsea. It’s only two minutes long, but it eloquently answers my current views on religion and God.”
Subconscious Fat at 10,000 feet
My primary theory is that because of the Law of Return, most Jews who move to Israel and become citizens will tend to be more conservative. The Jews in Israel are very divided, yet most think democracy and a Jewish state can exist together. However, this changes when one thinks of what should take priority: religious law or democracy.
In the long run, the more conservative factions of Jews will gain more and more political power. Many say that prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the most right-wing leader in the country's 75-year history.
Netanyahu reminds me of Trump.
Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.
Subconscious Fat at Eye-Level
I hope I’m wrong and Israel doesn’t become a theocracy. Unfortunately, I think it will.
Ideally, Israel and Palestine should live side by side in peace. Similar to what Mexico and the United States do. The US is a much bigger economy, but it benefits by having a poorer nation next door. Mexico benefits too. Mexican workers do the type of work many Americans don’t want. One can argue that the bigger economy is taking advantage; perhaps it is. Yes, there’s an immigration problem, but it’s better to have an immigration problem than having your neighbor commit terrorist attacks because you keep encroaching on their property.
Mr. Skeptical is shaking his head. “I don’t know. This all feels kind of suspicious to me.”
Before he can go on, I shut him up. “Don’t even go there. You once claimed that you thought I was anti-Semtic when I wrote about Albert Einstein. See that post here.
“Like I said then, I grew up with Jews. I empathize with the Jewish cause but believe in a two-state solution, not one. And I know a lot of Jews agree with me. I get why Jews are very protective of Israel, and they should be. They were the victims of The Holocaust.
Years ago, I was with one of my Jewish friends, and we met up with another Jew. His friend, who I had just met, said, “The Jewish people need to be strong; otherwise, they put us in ovens.”
I nodded in agreement, understanding the fear.
Another time, I was walking along Lincoln Road in South Beach. It was Sunday, and there was a farmers’ market. There was a table with several men dressed in orthodox Hebrew clothing staffing the table. Out of curiosity, I walked up to the table.
A man behind one of the tables quickly asked me, “You are Jewish, right?”
I started to answer him, “Well…” I was going to tell him how I grew up with Jews all around me, so I often felt Jewish, but I’m not. However, he didn’t let me finish. He likely assumed I didn’t practice being a Jew but that I was one.
He then described how Israel is losing territory and how his organization is helping Israel be a stronger nation. I don’t remember well what he said, but I do remember his passion. He was extreme.
Extreme like I’ve also seen with some Christian pastors as I’ve seen with Muslim preachers. It’s all the same thing.
Is humanity ever going to evolve from extreme religion?
I hope so. I went to a MeetUp group in Miami Beach just a month ago. And an Iranian guy was there. I asked him about Iran, and he told me that about 90% of the youth in Iran just want to live normal lives and not be controlled by their religious government. They are like anybody else, and most don’t care much about religion. Many of them are trying to leave the country.
I was pleased with what the Iranian guy said about his country. At least the young there are outgrowing religion and not allowing extremism. However, I also feel sorry for the secular in Iran because the government is an Islamic theocracy.
Practical Suggestions and Conclusions
Israel and Palestine are epicenters of three of the largest religions Jewish, Christianity, and Muslim. Can we realize we’re all human?
I know many people take comfort in having a spiritual support group, and I get that, but can we stop fighting about it already?
Can humanity grow up?
Mr. Skeptical jumps in. “Well, I think Hermann, you should feel ashamed of yourself. You grew up Catholic and know the Hebrew story of Moses and the people from Israel. A lot of Christians support a strong one-state Israel.”
“Yes, some extreme Christians believe that when Israel takes over Palestine, the second coming of Christ will happen. But sorry, not so sorry, I don’t believe it.”
Mr. Skeptical shakes his head, looking at me disgustingly. “Weren’t you an altar boy?”
“Yeah, I was. But I’ve grown up, and I think independently.”
“Your grandma was a strong Christian woman. She’s turning in her grave.”
I take a moment to reflect on what Mr. Skeptical says, for I just learned from my sister today that it’s the anniversary of my grandmother’s death. “My grandmother died at the age of 104, and she was a great person, and I loved her dearly. However, I didn’t believe in her extreme Christian views.”
“Did she know that?”
“No, she didn’t. I like to think she was the last woman I’d ever lie to. She’d ask me if I went to a Christian church, and I’d answer her like a politician. Saying something like I’m looking for one but haven’t found the right one yet. I’d say something similar if asked if I read the Bible.”
Mr. Skeptical shakes his head at me. He gets up to leave and says scornfully. “Lying to your dying grandmother. There’s a special place in Hell for the likes of you.”
Yes, I lied to my grandmother to avoid disappointing her. I’ve had Jewish friends act all religiously in front of their families to please them when I knew, in reality, they weren’t at all. This happens all over the world in every religion.
Yet, it’s important to know we can still love and miss our dead family members without agreeing on their religious views. The real truth is nobody knows what happens when we die. Nobody knows if someone can ‘turn in their grave.’ Besides, just like a loved one’s physical form disintegrates, turning to dust, so might the views on their religious beliefs.
Think independently; if you don’t, be aware enough to ask why.