Knesset legal advisor Eyal Yinon supports the legitimacy of the so-called Nakba Law, explaining that it does not undermine the state’s Basic Laws, those laws intended to lay the groundwork of the democratic society upon which the state is built.
The Law permits cutting government funding for organizations that undermine the state, refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the Jewish State; or those organizations that work against the state by observing Nakba Day, the day referred to by the Arabs as the “Tragedy”, coinciding with the declaration of the State of Israel.
Amazingly, prior to the law, organizations that work to eliminate the state as it exists today enjoyed state funding as well, perhaps similar to the absurdity that MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi, who enjoys Knesset immunity and all the privileges that accompany his public position, accompanied PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) during his UN appearance last week as the PA (Palestinian Authority) forges ahead to obtain international recognition as an independent state.
His expenses for the trip may be billed to the state since he may list them as a travel for a member of Knesset.
Nevertheless, the Nakba Law is being challenged in the nation’s High Court, insisting it compromises the basic right of freedom of speech. Leading the challenge is ACRI (Association for Civil Rights in Israel).
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
There is a difference between allowing freedom of speech and funding it. No one is preventing these organizations from saying or believing whatever they want — they just will no longer receive government money to do so.