There is an audible silence among the champions of democracy and liberalism in Israel regarding Aryeh Deri’s recent decision and announcement to run in the upcoming elections for a slot in Knesset.
While Deri was convicted of while collar crimes which carried a moral turpitude conviction, he served his time and the mandatory seven-year period has passed following his release, so by all accounts, the law says he may run and if elected and serve in Knesset or as a cabinet minister.
Nevertheless, aware of Deri’s non-waning popularity, many left-wing secular politicians and notables have been outspoken advocates of amending the law, explaining even if one has paid one’s debt to society; a former con should not be in Knesset and most certainly not serve as a cabinet minister.
With the recent conviction, albeit on limited counts of former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and the ongoing Holyland real estate trial against him, many are urging him to return to the political arena and run in the upcoming general election. While Olmert was cleared of most charges against him, he does have some convictions, and he still faces the outcome of the Holyland trial.
The liberals are in a quandary and while they contemplate their next move, have opted to lower the flames of heartfelt shouts to amend the law, the law that would now not only bar Deri, but Olmert too.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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4 Responses
The major difference is that Olmert was taking bribes and enriching himself, whereas Deri wasn’t accused of taking money for himself, but rather of trying to increase spending for yeshivos. The latter is an extemely serious offense in the mind of the hilonim ruling class, since yeshivos undermine the goal of zionism to create a Jewish state free from the yoke of Torah and Mitsvos.
Is there an honest person in the Knesset?????
I’m confused. This may be an example of hypocrisy, but what has it got to do with Catch 22?
Why is it so complicated?
Just ammend the law and make it that no Chareidi ex-con can serve in Knesset. This way they can show thier true colors and we’ll all be zocheh to see the big fat elephant in the room Bimheirah Biyameinu.