Diaspora Jews vote against judicial overhaul

In a powerful statement, the World Zionist Congress has warned Israel’s relationship with the Diaspora is at stake over judicial overhaul; 60% of Americans think overhaul should change US policy towards Israel.

The World Zionist Congress voted on Tuesday against the religious-Right agenda of Israel’s current government.

In effect, the so-called “parliament of the Jewish" people declared that Diaspora Jews do not support key policies being promoted by the Jewish state, under the most Right-wing and religious government in its history.

The WZC voted in favour of a resolution urging the Israeli government to refrain from implementing its planned judicial overhaul. Drafted by one of the progressive factions in the congress, this resolution warns that the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora “is at stake if the government pursues its plans to weaken the judiciary”.

“The Zionist Congress believes that change in the State of Israel’s judicial structure can only happen through broad public agreement, as the outcome of the true and open dialogue and as part of a process of healing social rifts across all of Israeli society,” the resolution says. It was submitted by Arzenu, the political representation of the Reform movement in the congress.

“The Zionist Congress calls upon the government to reach consensus agreements that will bolster the democratic nature of the State of Israel and the checks and balances in the structure of government, while providing protection for human rights, minorities and women.”

The resolution was passed by a vote of 368 in favour and 262 against.