On Tuesday afternoon, the country's leaders along with hundreds of guests and relatives will gather in the Knesset plenum and watch 120 Knesset members taking the oath of office and swearing loyalty to the state of Israel and its laws. Unlike some Knesset meetings, in which order and discipline do not always play a part, the opening session has a standard protocol: a recording of the historical reading of the Declaration of Independence is played and Psalm 122 is read out: "Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!" Together, they fill everyone present with a sense of hope and pride.
The 21st Knesset, which opens today, is not the beginning and is not the first floor of the building. It is one link in a long succession of public institutions and its members are continuing the long tradition of public service. This Knesset rests on foundations that were laid by the prophets of Israel and the modern-day saviors of Israel – and that carries with it an obligation. It is nourished by Psalms by King David son of Yishai and the Declaration of Independence by David Ben-Gurion, and that obligates its members. The reputation of this Knesset is the reputation of everyone who has contributed to it throughout the generations – and that carries an obligation.
The flood of daily tasks that fills every MK's calendar is liable to obfuscate the great mission that we take upon ourselves on the day of the swearing-in ceremony. But when submitting bills, asking questions, participating in committee debates and speaking in the plenum, we must remember who sent us there and to whom we will have to be accountable: the citizens of Israel. On Election Day, they expressed en masse renewed faith in the institutions of government and the rule of law and they – rightfully – demand that we stop talking about "winners" and "losers" and start talking like partners, because the Knesset is not a boxing ring and the purpose of its activity is not to defeat an opponent but to promote justice, freedom and progress for Israel.
The citizens of Israel demand that we serve as an example of moderate behavior and balanced decision-making, with decisiveness but also with mutual respect, so that the children who watch us will be able to say, "That's where I want to go! That's what I want to be!" It is our obligation as Knesset members to meet these demands.
The swearing-in will conclude with the national anthem, after which each of us will depart to begin his or her work. But if at the beginning of every day we remember this exciting moment, if the voices we hear in the plenum today continue to ring in our ears and we keep in mind what we saw and those who sent us here, I have no doubt that the 21st Knesset will meet all its obligations and continue to lead Israel to many new achievements – responsibly, faithfully and together.
