The Jewish Federations of North America Israel at 75 General Assembly kicked off Sunday in Tel Aviv. During the conference, Jews from Israel and abroad will meet to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day and learn about and discuss issues facing Israel and Jews abroad. Israel National News spoke with Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of JFNA, about Israel’s domestic issues and their pertinence to Jews worldwide.
One of the issues that has stirred up much controversy in recent months in Israel is the government’s planned judicial reform. The controversy has not skipped over the General Assembly during the conference’s first day, anti-reform protesters gathered outside and inside the venue, interrupting speeches and even causing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel his planned address. Fingerhut addresses the controversy, stating that his federation has been very concerned about the debate over the judiciary in Israel and that they have encouraged dialogue. “I think the chance to be here and have all of our delegates talk with people on both sides and really understand the issues, I think it will help contribute to understanding what the challenges are.”
Regarding Netanyahu’s cancellation, Fingerhut says: “Obviously, we’re disappointed that the Prime Minister couldn’t come, it’s always better to hear him directly, but we understand all the constraints on the Prime Minister, and I think that the delegates are going to learn about the issues.”
Fingerhut says that his organization is concerned by the controversy that is plaguing Israel but also the judicial reform legislation itself. “In the original proposal, there were certain provisions that would really impact us in North America, and also, the very fact that Israel is a model democracy is probably the most important part of the case that we make for Israel in America. Things like being able to override the Supreme Court with 61 votes of the Knesset are the kinds of things that we can’t explain as democratic in America.”
When asked about the claim that Jews from around the world should not interfere with Israeli domestic policy, Fingerhut says he has not heard it. “Both sides have been grateful to meet with us, they’ve both been reaching out to their friends and allies in North America for understanding and support, and I also think that the world is changing we’re so much more closely tied together. I don’t think it’s possible anymore to say, ‘This is our business – don’t be involved.’ I think those days are over,” he concludes.