OPINION:
Despite what its critics would have you believe, Israel has always been an extremely vibrant democracy. In its first 75 years, it has held 25 national elections. Multiple parties led by Arabs have participated.
This month marks the 75th anniversary of Israel’s first open and free elections for its national legislature, the Knesset.
Israel’s 1949 elections took place on Jan. 25, a little over nine months after Israel declared its independence and a month before Israel and Egypt signed their armistice agreement. In other words, Israel was still at war when it had its first elections.
This commitment to democracy was extremely important to Israel’s founders. Its politicians and jurists, as well as everyday Israelis, have gone to great lengths to ensure that anti-democratic ideas are marginalized while civil rights are protected.
None of the nations that have fought wars against Israel can say the same. Not one.
MOSHE PHILLIPS
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
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