![]() Additionally, weakening the Supreme Court will render it unable to constrain further entrenchment of the occupation of the West Bank, and in particular, the confiscation of Palestinian property and “regularization” of settlement outposts that are illegal under both Israeli and international law. The undermining of the Israeli judiciary’s independence is likely to threaten the civil liberties and religious freedom of all residents of Israel, including Israel’s Palestinian Arab citizens. The judicial overhaul legislation will undermine these shared principles that form the foundation of our strong economic, diplomatic, and security partnerships.Īn independent judiciary is a key element of democracy, and one that is essential to protecting the rights of minorities and marginalized communities. This cooperation has been rooted in our shared democratic values such as individual freedoms, human rights, and the rule of law. Since Israel’s founding in 1948, the American people have consistently embraced Israel as the only democracy in the Middle East and supported close cooperation between our two countries. We’re deeply concerned that this legislation will corrode Israel’s democratic character and, in doing so, strain the critical relationship between Israel and the United States. If enacted, this proposal would virtually eliminate the checks and balances that are crucial to maintaining a healthy democracy. The legislation gives the governing coalition control over critical judicial appointments, enables the Knesset to overturn Supreme Court decisions with a simple majority vote, ends judicial review of Israel’s Basic Laws by the Supreme Court, and sharply curtails the Court’s ability to review other laws. Through peaceful protests and strikes, you have delayed the advancement of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s extreme plan to eviscerate the independence of the Israeli judiciary, and we’re hopeful that through continued activism, you will stop it once and for all.Īlong with so many of you and with our own constituents, we’ve watched with dismay as the governing coalition has forged ahead with judicial overhaul legislation that would do profound harm to Israel’s democratic institutions. To the Protesters Defending Israeli Democracy:Īs Members of Congress and friends of Israel, we write to voice our support and admiration for the groundswell of pro-democracy activism in Israel in recent months. Students were very engaged and well prepared.Partners welcomes the Eshoo-Raskin letter in support of “I’d love to come back and spend more time. ![]() “You’ve got some terrifically talented kids here,” Raskin said. Raskin, who welcomed the opposing views discussed the importance of “reaching across the aisle” and emphasized the importance of civil discourse not just between students, but between all Americans. “I like expressing my political views and I like being able to do so in a respectful manner, not necessarily yelling back and forth and calling names, and it was nice being able to do that with a congressman,” Shemony said. ![]() Junior Talia Shemony shared her opposing view on the Iran nuclear deal. ![]() “It’s obvious to me that young people are very much staying on top of current affairs, so I don’t know if they’re reading newspapers or checking out the internet but they clearly know what’s going on,” Raskin said.ĭuring the discussion, Bregman asked the Maryland Democrat to do something “unorthodox” by encouraging students to share their political views on anything they disagreed with Raskin on. “Bringing in a member of Congress, particularly the congressman that represents the district that JDS is in, I thought was a very appropriate way for students to hear a perspective, especially if they disagree with that particular congressman so they have a way to voice their opinions,” Bregman said.Īfter a brief introduction, Raskin spoke for around ten minutes before fielding questions from students ranging from gun control and education policy to the Iran nuclear deal. Two other classes joined Jewish History teacher Aaron Bregman’s eighth period contemporary issues class on Monday morning in the Feith Beit Midrash for a town-hall-style discussion with Raskin, who has been a member of Congress since January 2017. Jamie Raskin, a Jewish member of Congress who represents Maryland’s 8th District, visited CESJDS on Monday, Oct.16 to speak with students in a contemporary issues class. ![]()
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