Montgomery News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 24, 2023, as the Israeli people continue to engage in large-scale, non-violent protest for the 20th consecutive week against the anti-democratic judicial overhaul legislation proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government, Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-16) led 46 Members of Congress in releasing an open letter, addressed to “The Protesters Defending Israeli Democracy,” which voices support and admiration for the groundswell of peaceful pro-democracy activism in Israel.

The Members wrote: “We proudly stand with you, the Israeli non-violent, pro-democracy movement, as you fight to preserve Israel’s democratic character and ensure that the rule of law prevails. While we confront challenges to our democracy at home, we admire the fortitude you have shown in facing down efforts to erode Israeli democracy. We share your belief that a strong, vibrant democracy with an independent judiciary is essential to Israel’s future success and the success of the U.S.-Israel relationship.”

In the letter, Members share their deep concerns that the judicial overhaul legislation will corrode Israel’s democratic character and undermine the shared democratic values that form the bedrock of the close relationship between Israel and the U.S. An independent judiciary is essential to protecting the rights of minorities and marginalized communities, and weakening the Supreme Court will render the Israeli judiciary unable to constrain further entrenchment of the occupation of the West Bank.

Background:

Widespread protests in Israel began in January 2023 after the governing coalition in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, proposed legislation to limit the independence of the Israeli judiciary. Due to the scale of the protests, Prime Minister Netanyahu was forced to postpone consideration of the legislation until after the Knesset’s month-long recess in April. If enacted, the legislation would give the governing coalition control over critical judicial appointments; enable the Knesset to overturn Supreme Court decisions with a simple majority vote; end judicial review of Israel’s Basic Laws by the Supreme Court; and sharply curtail the Court’s ability to review other laws.

The letter has been endorsed by the following organizations: J Street, National Council of Jewish Woman, Americans for Peace Now, T'ruah, Partners for Progressive Israel, Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, Ameinu, Jewish Labor Committee, Reconstructing Judaism, UnXeptable, New York Jewish Agenda, and Habonim Dror North America.

Original source can be found here.