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New Israel Fund president Naomi Chazan spoke in Toronto to an audience of more than 250, about challenges to Israeli democracy. While a small protest was staged outside by the JDL, Chazan systematically outlined and analyzed the threats to Israel's democracy and character, as well as the ways in which human rights and freedom of speech is being limited. Chazan focused on the role of the democratic institutions in Israel and their work to provide equality, justice, tolerance for difference and pluralism. The challenges to these organizations are, she said, pernicious trends, and the work to create an Israel based on equality for all must continue. Without it, Israel makes choices that not only undermine the state, but undermine the very citizens it seeks to represent and protect.
"We are at a stage where we are fighting for the soul of Israel…the protection of Israel's democracy is the key to its future. Everything else is secondary. " Referring to herself as the "Mother of Civil Society in Israel," Chazan listed gender segregation, racism, and social and economic injustice to Arab citizens as practices that must be fought. Suggesting that heated debate about Israel shows that one cares, Chazan led an engaging Q & A, inspiring a lively dialogue and discussion. |
