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Panim in Action
Groundwork Laid by Panim Pays Off Meir Yoffe, Executive Director of Panim, speaks about his perspective on the Beilin initiative
What is your perspective on the Beilin initiative and what is Panim’s role in the new Forum?
Meir Yoffe: “This is the first time that the head of a secular Zionist political party has undertaken to put together and head such a forum. And Panim has been part of this initiative from the very earliest stage.
The conceptual framework for the forum was the subject of debate and disagreement. And it is obvious that one of the objectives is the promotion of political goals. “But I was very pleased that MK Yossi Beilin, who started off with a very narrow viewpoint of the secular arena, agreed to the approach we presented [in our position paper, see below]: “that the camp served by the forum must include all Jews, must have a pluralist approach, and encompass the entire spectrum of pluralist Jewish groups, Conservative, Reform, modern Orthodox – all of them important ideological partners.”
“The hysterical, vehement reaction by MK Meir Porush” [see Ha-aretz articles] http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/825617.html, a letter calling for everyone to steer clear of the forum, “shows just how worried they are that there might be a serious development that undermines or threatens their monopoly, or feeling of monopoly, on Judaism” [specifically, conversion, legislation, education] in Israel. “In my mind, this is a positive sign in and of itself.” Panim’s involvement has several components. “Panim will be available to help the Beilin initiative, along with the entire spectrum of organizations that work with us. The fact that 70 representatives came to the opening conference is very impressive indeed.
“Panim’s lobbyist in the Knesset will be working closely with Beilin and his assistants. The professional advocacy and lobbying work that we have invested for the past three years” laid the groundwork for this initiative and we will continue to “provide information about Jewish education, the channeling of government funds and other subjects.
“The ground was prepared for the initiative, thanks to Panim’s work over the years, as well as that of IRAC and other organizations. Another important indication [of Panim’s positive impact] is the forum’s decision to devote the next session to the subject of education, again, thanks to the advocacy efforts of Panim and its partner organizations.” “Panim will continue to be heavily involved in helping the forum achieve its goals.”
In view of the political climate that MK Porush’s diatribe attests to and a history of failures in many of the areas undertaken by the forum, what do you think about its chances of success?
Meir Yoffe: “It is difficult to assess the extent to which it can succeed; time will tell. But it is important to note that this topic is being placed on the national agenda at this particular time. After the Oslo agreements, we turned our attention inwards, but since 2000, Israel’s political scene has focused on the Intifada and the second war in Lebanon, the economy and defense issues. The introduction, or reintroduction, of these issues [Jewish identity, religion and state, etc.] at this time is in itself a good thing.” http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/824824.html
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/825617.html
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