The government of Israel was wrong to outlaw the northern branch of the
Islamic Movement. This measure shows a lack of insight and understanding of
Arab society in Israel.
Transparent relations between Jewish and Arab citizens are essential for
the democratic fabric of the state of Israel and for the relations between Jews
and Arabs living in a shared society, even if at times such relations are
challenging and difficult. The activity of the northern branch of the Islamic
Movement did not meet the expectations of the Jewish public, and even parts of
the Arab public, but better that it be open and transparent than clandestine and
underground.
Yaniv Sagee, Executive Director of Givat Haviva, and Mohammad Darawshe,
Director of the Center for Shared Society, said, "Dialogue between
conflicting narratives is difficult and challenging, but it is better than no dialogue.
The state should deal with the issues raised by this discourse in a more
democratic and educational manner than by attempting to avoid it by outlawing the
Islamic Movement. Jewish-Arab relations in the country are of supreme national
importance, and every step taken in this arena should involve the leadership of
both parties and not unilateral action as in this case.”
They added: "At a time like this, we need all of the country's
political parties to show responsibility, to douse the flames and lower the
tensions, to reject extremism and to bolster moderation toward the goal of
achieving a shared society and regional peace.”
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