"As every year, we return to this sacred mountain and remember a leader of the standing that we find once in many generations, a man of vision and deed – (Theodor) Benjamin Ze'ev Herzl. Every time anew, I marvel and am amazed at the greatness of this man – by his initiative, leadership, responsibility, enduring spirit, practicality, and uncompromising dedication – as the visionary of the Jewish state.
Dear friends, in the spirit of the hour, I would like to briefly mention here two challenges we face today, and the way we must learn from Herzl as to how to deal with them.
First, the challenge of polarization in Israeli society. As we know, the Zionist Organization and Zionist Congress Herzl founded and initiated were not the first attempt to create a general framework for our people, but they were the first to succeed. What, then, was the secret of this success? And what can be learned from Herzl, in the here and now, to help create belonging, dialogue, and connection between us, against the background of the deep debates of today?
Consensual solutions bridge differences
The Zionist Congresses were no stranger to bitter and principled debates, but we came out of them strengthened, because they allowed every person and group to express their opinion in a full and respectful way. To this should be added the insistence of the leaders of the Zionist movement, with Herzl at their head, to find consensual solutions and various issues to bridge the differences. This fact allowed the Zionist movement to grow and be relevant even for those who were in the minority within it. After all, even if their position was not accepted, their voice was heard. Upon its establishment, the State of Israel in turn aspired to implement this method of nurturing broad as possible contractual solutions, certainly regarding core issues.
And it was good that it did.
However, it is impossible to discuss the issue of consensus and its roots without acknowledging the frustrating and distressing reality unfolding in present-day Israel.
We are in the midst of the “Three Weeks” (when the Jewish people remember the destruction of the Temple and other historic tragedies which befell the Jewish people). Days which are marked by a clear cry against hatred, against polarization and factionalism, and in favor of Israeli unity. Days that demand of us to behave with dignity and responsibility, in issues that directly impact the unity of Israel, and the cohesion of Israeli society. I don't think there is anyone in Israel watching the news, or looking around the street, talking at the Shabbat table, in the workplace, on social networks or in WhatsApp groups – that thinks that what is happening here is good for Israeli society. Families are being torn apart. Neighbors and friends are becoming rivals and enemies.
We all know the historical examples from the “Three Weeks”, but this is not history – this is our ‘here and now’, and it speaks for itself. This shocking and dangerous reality is happening before our eyes.
I can tell you that so many people are turning to me, not only from the public but also from the world of politics and from all sides. They say to me: “What a waste. What a tragedy.” And it is true.
I can tell you - agreements are possible – in general, and certainly on the specific issue of the “reasonableness clause”. An agreement is attainable. And yet, still, no one is willing to sit down and talk, now, without preconditions. This is a blunder of historic proportions.
I ask our representatives in the Knesset: Is it worth it? Is it really worth it? The numbers, the data, the surveys, and the debates reflect a real and significant public need for dialogue and consensus. It’s clear as day. This is the moment to try - together. This is the moment to think about the bigger picture. Now is the time to think about the consequences. Put egos aside. Come and talk. Cease the terrible divisions. The people expect you to come to your senses, and quickly.
Religion and faith - a sick and distorted justification to hate and attacks
The second challenge I would like to address is the attitude towards minorities and other religions. I remind all of us that the Jewish people and our holy places have suffered over the years, and are still suffering today, from attacks all over the world. Jews are subjected to antisemitic violence, synagogues and cemeteries are defaced, and as we have heard more than once in the past year and to great dismay even now, sacred items in general, and Torah scrolls in particular, are facing desecration and defilement.
More than once we have, and I personally have, demanded and taken action to ensure that the family of nations would do everything in its power to eradicate this abominable phenomenon. We are just in this demand, and we will continue to demand it.
We cannot allow religion and faith - which can and should be a basis for partnership and deep connections between all God’s children, to become a sick and distorted justification to hate and attack others.
At the same time, we must be consistent in this, and take the exact same position when it comes to other beliefs and religions – in Israel and abroad. The legacy that Herzl left us on this subject is clear: respect, appreciation, and partnership between the Jews and members of other religions, in Israel and in general, are a fundamental basis for the nation-state of the Jewish people. It was Herzl who said: “No person's rights or religious feelings are threatened by our idea. We understand and respect the feeling of reverence that people of all religions feel for this land, from which the faith of our ancestors also grew.” And it was Herzl who pledged, mainly in connection with sites sacred to Christianity, that, “We will form a guard of honor around the holy places”. Herzl's legacy obliges us - as Jews, as Zionists and as Israelis - to protest firmly against criminal and insulting acts towards other religions.
I utterly condemn violence, in all its forms, directed by a small and extreme group, towards the holy places of the Christian faith, and against Christian clergy in Israel in general, and in Jerusalem in particular. This includes spitting, and the desecration of graves and churches. A serious phenomenon that has occurred in the last weeks and months especially.
The State of Israel is committed to putting an end to this phenomenon. I am also working, and will continue to work with all my might together with law enforcement other agencies - to lead efforts that will bring an end to this disturbing reality, which is perverse evil and an utter disgrace for us as a society and a country.
At the same time - and for the very same reasons – I was horrified when I heard the recent news from Sweden, about the desecration of a Koran, holy to the believers of Islam. One cannot and one should not remain silent in the face of this. I condemn utterly, this disgraceful act, towards that which is sacred to our brothers and sisters - the sons of Abraham who believe in God. These acts are diametrically opposed to all the values of partnership between faiths for which we as a people and a country yearn, and we must all stand against this wherever it should arise.
Dear friends, the important principles that Herzl laid down and outlined - the principles of consensus, partnership, and unity, the principles of respect for others, for every faith and way of life, should be a guiding light. We all need it, our people and country need it, and today - more than ever.
May the memory of the great visionary, Binyamin Ze'ev Herzl, be etched on the heart of the nation for generations and forever."