Israel may be a Jewish state, but that doesn’t mean its citizens are exclusively Jewish. In fact Israel is known as one of the only countries in the Middle East that affords all its citizens, regardless of race, religion or gender, equal rights.
But a story in this week’s IJN (and circling the internet) highlights the difficulties of maintaining the fragile balance of a strong Jewish identity with respect for minority communities.
(Above: A Santa & tree in Jerusalem © Flash90)
Last week, an Arab Christian member of Knesset, Hanna Swaid, requested that a Christmas tree be placed at the Knesset in honor of Christmas. After some deliberation, the answer from Knesset speaker, Yuli Edelstein, came back: No. “I do not believe it appropriate to order the erection of a Christmas tree as you requested,” said Edelstein, recommending instead that Swaid place a tree in his office or in the party’s meeting room.
Israeli officials make great effort to reach out to its Christian constituents; every December, Prime Minister Netanyahu broadcasts a message of peace and joy to Israeli Christians, and President Peres this year visited a Franciscan school in Ramle, joining the students in a Christmas concert.
But is that enough?
Swaid, naturally, was disappointed by Edelstein’s decision, saying that erecting a Christmas tree would be “a gesture toward Christian members of Knesset and citizens of Israel.”
So there you have the two sides: for one group, a Christmas tree, according to Edelstein at least, carries a negative connotation. For the other group, a Christmas tree is a festive aspect of holiday celebrations.
The solution — whichever way — is not straightforward and will leave a group of people feeling either excluded or uncomfortable. We don’t relish Edelstein the decision. But it’s part of the reality of living in a multi-ethnic, multi-faith country such as Israel.
Should Edelstein have allowed the tree, as a gesture to Israel’s Christian minority? Or was Swaid, again, according to Edelstein, “testing the limits of the Jewish state” and displaying a lack of respect for Israel’s Jewish identity?
We’re still mulling this one over. In the meantime, we’d love to get your feedback: Did Edelstein make the right call?
