The question is not whether we support Israel, but which Israel?

As someone who loves Israel and her people, a committed Zionist - I lie awake at night, worried sick.

Since October 7, we’ve all been painfully aware of the external threats and the trauma affecting Israelis. But I’m also deeply alarmed by the internal threat posed by Israel’s far-right government - a significant threat to the moral fibre and soul of the Jewish state.

This is not politics as usual. It’s not a left-right debate. It’s a struggle between integrity and corruption, democracy and authoritarianism. And as diaspora Jews we must ask: what is our role, our moral responsibility?

The current government, led by Netanyahu and propped up by extremists, is dismantling basic foundations of Israeli democracy - undermining the judiciary, attacking the rule of law, and stripping away checks and balances in a country without a constitution. Netanyahu fired the Minister of Defence and the Head of Shin Bet, and pressured the Chief of Staff to resign not only over October 7, but for daring to challenge him - all while refusing to take any responsibility himself. Although 70% of Israelis demand an official state commission of inquiry into Oct 7, Netanyahu blocks it. Now the government is working to remove the Attorney General.

At the same time, the war in Gaza grinds on - with massive civilian suffering, no clear military endgame, and no diplomatic vision for the future. It’s almost impossible to destroy Hamas if there is no alternative for the people of Gaza. But this government has refused to engage with any plan for how Gaza should be managed after Hamas. Instead, we hear talk of occupation and settlements. Many of Israel’s own security experts warn this would be catastrophic. Do we really want a future where Israel rules over millions more Palestinians?

Meanwhile, the hostages remain in unimaginable suffering as this government abandons a vital Israeli value. Most Israelis do not support the war; they want a ceasefire, the hostages returned and elections asap. But Netanyahu governs for political survival, appeasing the most extreme voices in his coalition.

Israel has already been downgraded by global democracy indices - from a “liberal democracy” to “electoral democracy.” Even that now feels generous.

And yet, Israelis have not given up. Despite ongoing trauma and grief, hundreds of thousands continue to protest - ex-generals, bereaved families, Orthodox Jews, teachers, scientists, former heads of Mossad and Shin Bet. They are Israel’s conscience.

At a Jerusalem protest, Miriam Lapid, founding member of the right wing Gush Emunim, said:“This is not a struggle between right and left. It’s about integrity and truth versus corruption… Where are the Jews who love the people of Israel and care about this country?”

That’s the question haunting me: where are we?

In Australia, our community’s responses vary. Some are shaken into silence, afraid to criticise Israel amid rising antisemitism. Others are in denial, seeing this as just another passing political crisis. Some are overwhelmed and disengaged. Many younger Jews, driven by social justice, are turning away. We risk them becoming alienated from Israel and the Jewish people altogether.

Our silence carries real risks. We’ve never hesitated to speak out against external threats - Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran. Why go quiet now, when the danger comes from within? When the Israel emerging is not the Jewish homeland most diaspora Jews believe in - one rooted in democracy, pluralism and justice.

These threats affect us directly - not only because of rising antisemitism. For many Jews around the world, Israel is our back up plan. But what if the country we rely on as a refuge becomes one we’re not comfortable to live in?

I speak to my Israeli family and friends. They are exhausted. After 18 months of missiles, displacement, grief and hostage anguish, Netanyahu is exploiting their fatigue to entrench authoritarian rule. They’re pleading with us to speak up.

And some Jews around the world are. Major U.S. Jewish groups have condemned calls to reoccupy Gaza. In the UK, 36 members of the Board of Deputies decried the government’s rejection of a ceasefire deal, writing: “Israel’s soul is being ripped out.” Mainstream Zionist leaders and Orthodox rabbis (such as R. Yosef Blau, longtime spiritual adviser of Yeshiva University) are breaking ranks — not in opposition to Israel, but out of love and despair for what it’s becoming.

Ami Ayalon, former Shin Bet chief, put it bluntly: “The very fabric of the state of Israel and the values on which it was founded are being eroded… We need our friends abroad, Jewish communities around the world, to express support for the Israeli people — not for an extremist government.”

To support Israel today is to support its people - not its government. It means rejecting theocracy, racism, and authoritarianism – and defending democracy, equality and the search for peace.

Protesters have taken this powerful song as their anthem:

I have no other country
Even if my land is aflame
I will not be silent
Because my country changed her face

But where are we, Australian Jews, as Israel changes her face?

This is not a comfortable moment. Yet Jewish history teaches us that silence in the face of injustice has never served us well.

Of course, we must be wise and strategic in how we speak out. We need to find meaningful ways to express solidarity - to stand with those fighting for Israel’s soul - and let them know: you are seen, you are heard, you are not alone.

Because in the end, the question isn’t whether we support Israel - it’s which Israel we support.

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