By Rabbi Dow Marmur
JERUSALEM–Years ago, one could hear Israelis say that they lived in a poor country but the citizens were doing well. They were referring to the dependence on German reparations, foreign aid and, not least, the support of Jewish communities from around the world.
Nowadays, it seems to be the other way around. The government and independent analysts are telling us that the country is in good financial shape. They point to the lowest unemployment in years and that it had survived the international financial meltdown better than others. But the protest movement that seems to be gathering momentum now when the weather is conducive to outdoor demonstrations suggests that the people are getting poorer and it’s only the country that seems to be doing well.
The reference now is to the growing gap between the haves and the have-nots. The small band of Israelis who’ve become fabulously wealthy have had great tax advantages whereas the many find it hard to make ends meet and seem to be paying more and more of their meager income to the state, partly through income tax but more through value added tax, even on basic commodities. The fact that something similar is happening in theUnited States– Warren Buffet paying less tax than his secretary – seems to be small consolation to Israelis.
One of the reasons for the outcry each time the price of fuel goes up, as it has happened frequently of late, is that, instead of the state absorbing cost increases, it passes them on to those who can least afford it. Hence the renewed street demonstrations. Occasionally, the Prime Minister feigns largesse and decreases the cost of gasoline and argues that it’s more expensive in Europe, but the public doesn’t seem to be buying it.
Now religious leaders have entered the debate. Though it’s not uncommon for spokespersons for liberal groups to speak up on behalf of the disadvantaged – also in Israel, where the Reform movement, despite its minority status, is often visible at demonstrations – now even the Israeli religious establishment is being heard, albeit somewhat obliquely.
Toward the end of March, the 11th meeting of the Bilateral Commission of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Vatican Commission for Religious Relations with Jews met in Rome and issued a statement which, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, urged countries to develop economies that should “recognize their responsibilities and duties toward the countries and societies in need, especially in this era of globalization.”
The statement pointed to the loss of moral fiber as the cause of the situation that celebrates greed and suppresses truth and honesty. Whereas government spokespersons tend to boast about economic progress in terms of abstract statistics, the real issue is the concrete effect on individuals. Therefore, the statement calls for “the obligation to guarantee certain basic human needs, such as protection of life, sustenance, clothing, housing, health, education and employment.”
It would, of course, been more wholesome had the two Chief Rabbis of Israel together with other Orthodox leaders spoken directly to the people who are out in the streets in Israel and call for greater equality, than to do it indirectly through a joint statement with Catholics. But perhaps Israeli Orthodoxy has nevertheless turned a corner and we will see a lot of kippot and black hats at future demonstrations.
*
Rabbi Marmur is spiritual leader emeritus of Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto. Now dividing his time between Canada and Israel, he may be contacted at dow.marmur@sdjewishworld.com