Israel’s diaspora minister warns of ‘harm’ new government could do to ties
Nachman Shai, who is likely to be replaced in the coming days, said Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition with extremists could do damage
Israel’s diaspora affairs minister Nachman Shai has said the country’s incoming right-wing government “will potentially damage our relationship with the global Jewish world”.
Speaking to reporters at a conference on Monday, Shai was able to speak freely, given that he is likely to be replaced when Benjamin Netanyahu resumes power at the head of a coalition that includes the 14-seat far-right party ‘Jewish Power’.
“Some of the elected officials lack sufficient experience and, in any opinion, some of the coalition’s demands contradict and even contravene the democratic character of the state of Israel,” said Shai.
“They have been given a playground of powers; they are high on zeal and euphoria. It is alarming, it is dangerous, and it will potentially damage our relationship with the global Jewish world and the international entente and the very future of the state of Israel.”
Shai was won fans across the Jewish diaspora for pointing out that Netanyahu and Israel’s ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer “prioritised [US Christian] Evangelicals” over Jewish communities outside Israel, which he called “a mistake”.
On Monday, he told journalists that the Israel-diaspora relationship would be harmed “not necessarily intentionally, but partly as a result of differences in ideology, partly as a result of political affiliation and partly because of ignorance and unwillingness to understand the situation on the ground”.
It comes after hundreds of American rabbis issued an open letter on Israel’s new leadership, saying: “When those who tout racism and bigotry claim to speak in the name of Israel, but deny our rights, our heritage, and the rights of the most vulnerable among us, we must take action, we must speak out.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
