FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17th, 2023

200 Jewish Rabbis, Clergy, and Community Leaders Unite to Safeguard Israeli Democracy Open Letter Calls for Preservation of Democratic Principles

Palo Alto, CA - In an unprecedented display of solidarity, a coalition of Israeli expats, Jewish Rabbis, Clergy, and Community Leaders from diverse backgrounds and communities across the nation have joined forces under the banner of Unxeptable, a grassroots movement. Their collective mission: to protect and uphold Israeli Democracy. Through an open letter, these esteemed leaders emphasize the urgent need to safeguard democratic principles and maintain the essential system of checks and balances that form the foundation of Israel's democracy.

Israel has long been hailed as a shining beacon of democracy in the Middle East, a nation that upholds the rule of law, equality, and human rights. However, recent proposals for judicial reform have raised significant concerns among numerous Israelis, including many American Jews. While acknowledging the government's prerogative to improve the judicial system, this coalition urges caution in implementing changes that could compromise the delicate balance of power and erode the bedrock of democracy.

The open letter, crafted with a commitment to non-partisanship, underscores the shared objective of preserving Israel's democratic values. It highlights the pivotal role played by an independent judiciary in upholding justice, ensuring equality, and preventing any concentration of power that may undermine the rights of individuals. The group firmly believes that Israel, as the homeland of the Jewish people, founded on democratic principles, is indispensable for the nation's future and the unity of the Jewish people.

Rabbi David Seth Kirshner from New Jersey, one of the signatories of the letter, affirms, "Israel is more than a Jewish State. It is a homeland to Jews everywhere and a fundamental part of the modern Jewish story, irrespective of our birthplace or current residence. It is imperative for all of world Jewry to use their voices and take action during this critical juncture in our shared history. We must make it known to the extremists and the intolerant that we will not remain silent. That is why I proudly endorsed the sentiments of this letter and hope others will join as well."

Rabbi Josh Weinberg, Vice President for Israel and Reform Zionism, Union for Reform Judaism from New York, added, “It is critical at this moment that President Herzog and President Biden know that millions of Diaspora Jews are behind them in opposing the judicial overhaul and working to preserve Israeli democracy.” 

The open letter has garnered the support of 190 senior Rabbis, Clergy, and Community Leaders, amplifying the collective voice and showcasing widespread backing for democratic values within the Jewish community.

This call to action arrives at a pivotal moment, as recent legislative developments have underscored the urgency of the situation. A bill proposing restrictions on the Supreme Court's authority to overturn decisions made by elected officials was recently approved by lawmakers, further underscoring the need for swift action to protect democratic principles.

Scheduled to be sent on July 19th, on the eve of President Herzog's historic speech to the U.S. Congress, the open letter serves as a resounding affirmation that now is the time for all who cherish the Jewish, liberal democratic state of Israel to stand up and speak out in defense of its democracy, which is under attack from the most radical elements of Israeli society.