Jerusalem Post columnist urges Israel to acknowledge internal problems
In Israel, Jerusalem Post columnist Greer Fay Cashman called on society to openly acknowledge internal problems, including discrimination against Arabs, violence by Jewish radicals, and the political demonization of opponents. In her opinion column, she linked this need to the concept of tikkun olam, which she explains as “repairing the world.”
Silencing problems
Cashman writes that before the digital age, public discussion of the negative aspects of Israeli policy was often seen as betrayal. As examples, she cites the 1954 Lavon Affair and a practice during the Yom Kippur War: some sensitive materials were first passed to foreign media, and in Israel they were published only after appearing abroad.
In the author’s view, the spread of digital publications, social media, webinars, podcasts, and the use of artificial intelligence has made it more difficult to conceal information, as well as to distinguish facts from fiction. At the same time, in her assessment, some people still regard publishing negative information about the country as a sign of disloyalty.
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Discrimination and political labels
The author states that Arabs in many areas of Israel face discrimination, including difficulties in obtaining building permits. According to her description, this prompts people to build homes without permits, after which local authorities or the Israel Defense Forces may demolish such houses.
Cashman also criticizes the denial of the existence of Jewish terrorism. She mentions the situation in the West Bank, where, in her assessment, groups of masked Israelis make life difficult for Palestinians with impunity. The columnist stresses that condemnations are insufficient without concrete action.
She also draws attention to the use of the word “leftist” as a political label. Cashman mentions Avigdor Lieberman, Gadi Eisenkot, and Yair Golan, arguing that disagreement with the current government should not be grounds for accusations of disloyalty. Among possible solutions, she named the creation of an advisory council involving representatives of Israel’s various political, religious, and ethnic groups.
