Israel as a Rogue State 314

At the height of McCarthyism, Edward R. Murrow boldly confronted the climate of fear that grossly distorted the soul of American democracy: “We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty … We are not descended from fearful men — not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular.”  These words continue to inspire civic activists throughout the world, despite dark times in which freedom of speech, the hallmark of democracy, is threatened.

On Wednesday, Israel witnessed a further step in the erosion of democratic principles, as the Israeli Parliament resolved to create a committee to investigate the funding of the nation’s human and civil rights groups.
The bill was approved by a vote of 47 to 15, establishing a panel of inquiry into specific organizations, including B’Tselem, ACRI (The Association for Civil Rights in Israel), Physicians for Human Rights, Breaking the Silence and the Public Committee Against Torture.
The right to dissent is the foundation of democracy, a right for which these 47 members of Knesset showed little respect.  B’Tselem seeks to preserve the moral integrity and democratic nature of the Israeli state through constant vigilance and advocacy for human rights throughout the West Bank and Gaza.
The critical nature of this work is recognized by parliamentary dissenters, such as Member of Knesset Nitzan Horowitz, who declared: "Human rights and citizens rights group save the honor of Israel in the world and maintain its character as a democratic state."  The Speaker of the Knesset, MK Reuven Rivlin (Likud), called the proceedings “a showcase trial,” exhibiting an extremism which further damages Israel’s image abroad. He harshly criticized his party members for voting for this bill, and called upon the Prime Minister and the faction leaders to stand against this action.

In a public statement on Wednesday, we, at B’Tselem, decried the “witch hunt,” reiterating the legality and transparency of our research and the essential role of criticism within a healthy democracy.  We proudly invite the Israeli Knesset to examine our research and bring these legitimate human rights concerns to the attention of Israeli politicians and public alike.

Edward R. Murrow bravely spoke out during a dark period of American history.  Please support B’Tselem as we follow in this tradition.  Your voice can help to strengthen ours.