Mr. Abramowitz Goes to Jerusalem

December 10, 2008

Mr. Abramowitz Goes to Jerusalem

Later this week, my friend and soulmate of more than 20 years, Yosef Israel Abramowitz will stand in the primaries of a new political party, the Green Movement. Hastily put together, as all activist endeavors are, in the face of the new/old political machines of the new/old State of Israel, Yosef and the other candidates are running on the winds of change.

For the first time since becoming an Israeli citizen (formally in 1996) I joined a political party, because Yosef, Alon Tal, and the other founders of this new party took the time to write a 17 page platform that speaks to the holisitic incredible potential of this experiment known as the State of Israel. (Yes...Israel is still very much an experiment, with many mistakes made along the way, in the search for the "right" formula -- more on that another time).

Not since the late Menachem Begin of blessed memory left the political stage have we been led by people with a Jewish world view. Gevalt, you say, how could I so easily besmirch leaders such as Rabin of blessed memory, Netanyahu, Peres, Barak, Livni, and more, who have devoted their lives to the Jewish people and State. Yes, they have, but unfortunately they do not think or express themselves in a deeply Jewish manner. Once in a blue moon Peres can pull from deep down, reaching back 70-80 years and express a Jewish longing, but most of the time he sounds like a nice UN diplomat with a funny accent. And the rest? Sigh...very shallow professional politicians that wouldn't recognize the Jewish people walking down the street.

My hope for the Green Movement, is that like Greens all over the world, they go way beyond formalistic "environment" issues, and speak to the Jewish hope for a better world. Starting here, and then speaking out to the world. As Jews. Creating a Jewish State. To me, the ultimate Green is someone who is concerned about more than him/herself. Which is the Jewish ideal.

Why aren't I running for Knesset? Nu, my father asks the same question. For now I am supporting Yosef Abramowitz and the rest of the Green Movement in their knesset bid.

If you have the time, come this Friday morning to the Kibbutz Seminar campus in Tel Aviv to watch history in the making, as the Green Movement holds it first primaries (and if by chance you are a member, vote for Yosef!).

Posted at 12:42 AM in Current Affairs, Jerusalem, Religion, Zionism | Permalink