“We must defend the rule of law, the legal system and the enforcement authorities” Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (6/17/11 Ynet) We are Jews, Americans and Israelis, who care deeply for the State of Israel. Our commitment to democratic values and the Jewish people’s aspirations to live in their historic homeland forever bind us to the State of Israel. We stand up for Israel whenever she is threatened. In recent months, we feel the democratic fiber of Israel’s society is being threatened by a wave of anti-democratic legislation presented in the Knesset. We feel this undermines the democratic values to which we adhere, and which Israel has cultivated and fortified for over six decades. The following are examples of some of the legislation passed and debated by the Knesset: 1. A bill which would cripple the press’ ability to investigate elected officials by expanding the existing slander law to include almost any publication. 2. A bill which allows communities to discriminate against potential members. 3. A bill which could turn the High Court into a political arm of the ruling party by granting the legislative unprecedented power over the nomination of Justices. The Declaration of Statehood claims “The State of Israel... will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture…” Free press, protection of minorities’ rights, equality for all citizens and an independent court system are crucial founding stones for any democratic society. The on-going corrosion of these elements will deteriorate the thriving democracy, which is the State of Israel. We therefore wish to express our worry regarding these laws and our desire to ensure Israel remains the democratic Jewish homeland we hold dear. If you too love Israel and are concerned by the wave of anti-democratic legislation sign to show your support!