Published: 15 May 2025
Last updated: 15 July 2025
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.
What if the country we rely on as a refuge becomes one we’re not comfortable to live in?
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?
