Progressive, Liberal Israel: How Can Ultra-Leftists Continue to Deny It?

Dear Friend of Israel, Friend of FLAME:

While so-called “progressives” and left-biased media in the United States level a relentless stream of accusations against Israel—often waving the banner of “social justice”—these “critics” uniformly ignore the fact that Israel is itself one of the most liberal, progressive nations in the world.

Enemies of Israel falsely accuse Israel of white colonialism, apartheid, ultra-nationalism, unfair treatment of its Arab citizens, LGBTQ “pinkwashing,” theocracy and violations of international law.

Yet, in truth, Israel is a mature, refined democracy—with high-functioning government and judicial institutions, plus a track record of moral behavior and rule of law unmatched by few other nations.

Israel guarantees its extremely diverse citizenry expansive civil liberties, equal rights and economic opportunities, as well as liberal social justice policies, especially toward women and sexual minorities.

Unfortunately, most mainstream media outlets are quick to publicize false accusations by hypocritical enemies against Israel, and few bother to tell the truth about the Jewish state’s democratic and moral practices, let alone its constant efforts to improve the lives of its people.

If Israel’s “progressive” critics really cared about social justice, they would be the country’s biggest supporters, because no country in the Middle East—and few in the world—uphold liberal values more vigorously than the Jewish state.

Israel is a vibrant, liberal democracy in which all can vote, all enjoy full civil liberties and all have equal economic opportunity. This includes, of course, Israel’s two million Arab citizens—20% of the population—who share all the benefits of Israeli society.

Israeli Arabs are currently represented in the Israeli parliament (the Knesset), by two political parties, one of which is an Islamist party that was part of the previous governing coalition. An Arab Muslim judge serves on Israel’s Supreme Court. An Arab Christian also served as a Supreme Court justice and was chair of Israel’s Central Elections Committee.

An Arab Muslim is the head of Bank Leumi, Israel’s biggest bank. Arabs also make up 30% of the country’s doctors and 50% of the country’s pharmacists.

Thousands of Israeli Arabs volunteer for service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), even though military service is not required of Arab Muslims or Christians.

So much for the myth of Israeli apartheid.

Israel is the Middle East’s most diverse nation and also one of the world’s most diverse. In fact, the overwhelming majority of its population are people of color—including more than half of Israeli Jews, who mostly hail from Africa and the Middle East, 170,000 of whom are Black Ethiopians.

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) is also extremely diverse, boasting service members from 73 nations and a Muslim holding the rank of major.

Israel protects freedom of religion: Unlike among most of its Middle East neighbors, all religions—including all branches of Judaism—are welcome, and Israel is the only Middle Eastern country in which Christians are growing in numbers. Israel also hosts the world headquarters of the Bahai faith.

Israel believes in and practices full social equality. Women enjoy complete freedom, serve in all levels of government and business, and even participate in the military draft. The IDF today has six female brigadier generals and a female fighter pilot.

Abortion is legal in Israel. There are no state restrictions on racial or religious intermarriage, or on civil marriage between gay couples. In fact, same-sex marriage was legalized in Israel nine years before it became legal in the U.S. nationwide. In addition, whereas the abusive practice of conversion therapy for members of the LGBTQ+ community is still legal in some of the U.S., it is banned in Israel.

While homosexuality and sexual diversity are either outlawed or severely censured in almost all Middle Eastern countries, Israel hosts some of the largest and liveliest celebrations of LGBTQ+ life in the world. Tel Aviv is rightfully dubbed the Gay Capital of the Middle East.

Israel even grants asylum to members of the LGBTQ+ community living in areas under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, where there is harsh, often violent punishment of sexual minorities, and no legislation to protect their rights.

Israel is an exemplary citizen in the community of nations. In the face of natural disasters worldwide—hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis—the Jewish state’s response with medical help and food supplies is unparalleled. In fact, tiny Israel is usually one of the first countries to send aid.

For example, Israel sent hundreds of medical, engineering and social service professionals, plus thousands of tons of food and supplies, to Haiti, Japan, New Orleans and even Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, which refuses diplomatic relations with Israel.

In addition, Israel’s military observes the strictest practices relating to rules of engagement and protecting innocents in war zones, which outstrip those of nearly every military force on earth. Such policies often put IDF troops at risk by sending them on the ground into dangerous areas in order to avoid civilian casualties—instead of using, say, carpet bombing, which could lead to the deaths of many innocents.

Alleged violations of IDF’s rules of engagement by soldiers—such as the death of journalist Shireen Akleh—are seriously investigated and severely punished when proven (which Akleh’s was not).

Finally, Israel is far from a colonial settler state: It was founded by indigenous Jews returning to their homeland in opposition to colonial rule, and its founding was legitimized under international law by approval of the United Nations.

Israel also strictly adheres to the letter of the international protocols and treaties to which it is a party. Specifically, despite constant lies that Israel disobeys the Geneva Conventions against occupation, Israel has never relocated its citizens into the territory of another nation.

In short, Israel is one of the world’s most moral, enlightened democracies —few nations can match its expansive civil rights, legal protections for minorities, equality of liberties and opportunities, and adherence to international law. No wonder the EIU 2021 Democracy Index ranked Israel the world’s 23rd most successful democracy—ahead of the U.S., Spain, Italy and 139 other nations.

I urge you to emphasize in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, elected officials—and in letters to the editor—that far from being a white colonial nation, an oppressor of Arabs or a violator of human rights, Israel is one of the freest, most diverse and law-abiding countries in the world.

I hope you’ll also take a minute, while you have this material front and center, to forward this message to friends, visit FLAME’s lively Facebook page and review the P.S. immediately below. It describes FLAME’s new hasbarah campaign—”Democracy Thrives in Israel”—which exposes false claims that Israel deprives Arab Israeli citizens and Palestinian Arabs of their rights.

Best regards,

James Sinkinson, President
Facts and Logic About the Middle East (FLAME)

P.S.

Despite Israel’s guarantee of civil liberties and equal treatment for all its citizens—including two million Arab Israelis—Israel is still falsely accused of being an apartheid state. Despite Israel and the Palestinians agreeing that the Palestinian Authority will administer its own civil affairs, including elections, Israel is accused of violating human rights because Palestinians can’t vote in Israeli elections. I think you’ll agree that truth is the only antidote to this lie. FLAME’s new hasbarah message—called “Democracy Thrives in Israel” publicizes a new, independent “Democracy Index” in which Israel is named the world’s 23rd most successful democracy—ahead of the United States, Italy, Spain and 139 other nations. This new editorial message also clarifies that Palestinians’ repression is due overwhelmingly to their two ruling dictatorships. (Palestinians are ranked #109 in the Democracy Index—as “authoritarian.”) I hope you’ll review this convincing, fact-based editorial, which FLAME published nationwide in the New York Times, Washington Post, New York Post, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, Houston Chronicle, Los Angeles Times and San Jose Mercury News. This piece will also be sent to all members of Congress, Vice President Harris and President Biden. If you agree that this kind of public relations effort on Israel’s behalf is critical, I urge you to support us. Remember: FLAME’s powerful ability to influence public opinion—and U.S. support of Israel—comes from individuals like you, one by one. I hope you’ll consider giving a donation now, as you’re able—with $500, $250, $100, or even $18. (Remember, your donation in 2022 to FLAME is tax deductible.) To donate online, just go to donate now. Now, more than ever, we need your support to ensure that the American people, the U.S. Congress and President Biden stay committed to fighting antisemitic, anti-Israel actions by individuals, politicians and commercial companies. As of today, more than 15,000 Israel supporters receive the FLAME Hotline at no charge every week. If you’re not yet a subscriber, won’t you join us in receiving these timely updates, so you can more effectively tell the truth about Israel? Just go to free subscription.