The last two years have been tumultuous ones, to say the least, for the Israeli government. With Israelis heading to the polls every few months and the inability for governments to form coalitions, I waited with bated breath to see what would happen these last few weeks. But this week, a new government was approved after a history-making coalition formed, and I think it represents something crucial for the Jewish people and the future of the State of Israel.
It’s challenging to define the coalition in typical political parlance. It’s not a strictly right wing government; it’s not necessarily leftist either. And despite it having people from multiple parties, I would exactly call it centrist. This government is a diverse one, comprised of individuals who seriously disagree with each other ideologically. But their commonality, what brings them together for the government and in service of Israel, is their desire to work together with others. This element must be underscored.
It is a government that will have, for the first time in Israel’s history, a person wearing a kippah in the position of prime minister. It is the first time that the coalition includes an Arab, representing our desire to live in peace with others in our holy land. The members of this newly-approved coalition disagree with each other on many issues, and I have my own differences with them as well, but what gives me hope is their desire to work together. They’ve decided that the future of Israel - with all its complexity - is bigger and more important than their ideological differences. Because what makes Israel and the Jewish people particularly unique is our diversity. Our sense of peoplehood and our connectedness transcends difference.
It’s that diversity, coupled with a desire to work together, that I hope is strengthened by this government. I pray that the Jewish lives of Jews of every religious expression is enhanced. I pray that the lives and wellbeing of Arabs and Palestinians is improved by this government. I pray that the future of Israel is inclusive and broad, making space for difference. This Shabbat, with a new Israeli government formed, I am praying for its success. I am hopeful that it will lead to much-needed change, that it is a government that represents and honors the many different people that call Israel home.
Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Sarit
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