From the moment the protests against the new government's proposed judicial overhaul began, the following stood out to me clearly: the inability of the camp to address the opposing claims with facts, which is something that is also deeply rooted among senior jurists, and the painful claim of the politicization of the judicial system.
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In earnest, I do not expect much from them. Politicians are politicians, and the jurists who are leading this struggle are also politicians and their militant opinions hold no weight for me. I also tend to forgive the masses that follow them, for their fears and emotions are real, and they are struggling to accept the fact that their country is changing, both in small and major ways.
Petitions from economists, musicians, and media personalities do not affect me either. If anything, they reflect the distinct political outlook of these castes and how fun it is that the situation is beginning to change.
But every once in a while, I get into a fit of contempt, behind which hides tremendous disappointments. Take for example the recent interview of Nobel laureate Professor Avraham Hershko, who has become the darling of the media due to his strong opposition to the reforms.
When asked why he attended protests against the move, Hershko, who could not have given a more cliche answer, claimed that the new government was looking to turn Israel into a dictatorship.
"The whole idea is to demolish the Supreme Court, so there's nothing left. Basically, they want to destroy what exists first and then create a new Supreme Court that will be appointed by the current government, and then reach the situation that exists in Hungary, Israel will turn into Hungary. This is terrible, in my opinion, and in those of many others, as I am not alone in my stance."
I must say that the main emotion I felt upon hearing this was terrible sadness. Only then came disappointment and anger. Really, Professor Hershko? You're afraid that Israel will turn into a dictatorship? That the government is looking to destroy the Supreme Court? That Israel was turning into Hungary?
Is this the best you can do? Couldn't you contribute differently to the debate? Aren't you aware that there is a substantive, real, important debate between the proponents of different approaches in the legal system? Don't you know that there is a rift and a great lack of trust between millions of Israelis and the judiciary?
One would have expected more from one of the most important scientists in Israel.
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