It is apparent that the rule of law in the "only democracy" in the Middle East is under threat. Hardly surprising some may say, when we have an ex president on trial for rape, an ex priminister under investigation for corruption, a foreign minister under investigation for corruption and so on and so forth......
Still, it is inconceivable that people take the law into their own hands in a democratic country. It is also essential that the law be applied to all citizens in equal measure
In the same week that twelve Israeli Arab Israelis were indicted for the alleged lynch of terrorist, Eden Natan Zada in Shfaram four years ago, prosecutors dropped charges against settler Ze'ev Braude, who allegedly shot two Palestinians during a dispute at a house in Hebron in December 2008. Apparently there is video evidence of Braude's actions.
On Saturday six policemen and a photographer were injured by Orthodox protesters demonstrating against the opening of a municipal car park in Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Seven Orthodox protesters were arrested. It has been announced that IDF officers working in the West Bank are to be provided with bodyguards for them and their families. Protection is to be provided following right wing demonstrations outside officers' homes and threats against them and their families.
These are just four current examples. There are many one could choose for the purpose of this discussion.
The incident in Shfaram followed a terror attack where Zada a nineteen year old soldier murdered four Arab Israelis on a bus. He was then subdued by local people and arrested by police after which a riot ensued and Zada was beaten to death. There are those who see no difference between the actions of locals and those of civilians in Jerusalem who shot a bulldozer driver who used his bulldozer for a terror attack. I myself tended towards such a position. The fact that Zada had already been arrested and handcuffed and was then beaten to death roughly an hour after the incident is apparently the reason for the indictments. As terrible and cowardly as Zada's cold blooded act of terror was, in a civilised society revenge is no excuse or justification for unlawful killing. I have every sympathy with the people of Shfaram and trust that the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the event will be taken into account when it comes to sentencing.
I can also understand the feeling of frustration and accusations of double standards when prosecutors decide drop a case against a settler on the West Bank who has shot two unarmed Palestinians. Apparently there is video evidence of the crime yet there will be no prosecution. This is fodder for those who accuse Israel of double standards and racist policies. I have no idea if Mr Braude is guilty or innocent, however surely where two people have been shot and there is video evidence of the event, our justice system should demand that the case go to trial.
As for Orthodox Jews demonstrating on the "Shabos". I am not sure that this is what their god intended for them on the holy day of prayer. However as they live in a free and democratic country it is their right to demonstrate. It is not however their right to commit acts of violence on policemen or secular Jews who wish to live their own lives. The appeasement of such acts will only serve to embolden such behaviour leading to even greater chaos and violence on our streets.
The fat that IDF officers working on the West Bank now require protection in their private lives is a sad indictment indeed of where we have got to in regard to observance and upholding of the law. Intimidation from any quarter is unacceptable, whether it comes from right wing activists, settlers, ultra orthodox protesters or left wing activist during anti separation fence demonstrations. There are laws in this country which must be adhered to. If people choose to break these laws then there must be consequences and where appropriate punishment.
However the application of the laws must be without prejudice and must be seen to be applied to all citizens in equal measure. From issues of illegal construction whether in Jerusalem, the West Bank, Tel Aviv or the Sharon, the law must be applied in the same manner. When it comes to acts of terror or intimidation, it should not matter whether the perpetrators are Jews, Arabs or any other. The criminal acts must be seen for what they are with the law being applied accordingly.
For all its short comings, we do in fat live in a free democracy, which allows people to live their lives as they see fit, to voice there opinions without fear and to object and demonstrate their objection when feel the need. In my opinion this works in the favour of all despite the knowledge that there are those who would exploit these very freedoms in order to deny them to others.
Surely the state's ability to provide protection and security to all its citizens through the fair and impartial enforcement of its legal system is key to the development of a truly civil society.
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