The Constitution of Kupot Memshala and Balanced Districts is desperately needed. So how can we, the citizens, make it a reality? Technically speaking, it could be passed as as replacement to all the basic laws. A simple majority would be sufficient. However the Constitution itself requires a super-majority of 66% for passage.
The reason for the higher bar is that a law as fundamental as this must meet with widespread approval in order to be adopted not just in law, but in reality. We believe that this Constitution can achieve that level of approval. On a sector-by-sector basis here are the reasons why:
- Haredim: Their visions of society will be reinforced by their ability define and live within their own civil laws. In reality, this is often already the case, and so the State will benefit by integrating Haredi systems – in some way – into the organization of the State as a whole. At the same time controversial issues like payments to Kollel students could become entirely intra-Kupat Memshala issues, removing them from the national debate. This will simplify Haredi life. In addition, those Haredim who do not want to recognize a Jewish State that is not Torah-focused would no longer have to. The State would no longer be defined as Jewish. It is possible multiple Kupot Memshala would be formed by the Haredim as they have very distinct visions within their own population. The Constitution only limits such formation by requiring a minimum of 100,000 members.
- Secular: There are concerns in the Secular sector about being a minority in one of the world’s purest majority-rules democracies. We believe this anxiety is one of the reasons behind the growth of the power of the Supreme Court as a body independent of the majority. Neither majority rule nor court rule is appropriate in a liberal democracy. Both can easily stray into constraining the rights of those who do not hold sway. The Kupot Memshala and the Constitutional Assembly provide as many protections for the secular way of life as they do for the Haredi. In addition, the Balanced Districts system will blunt any rapid change to the State itself while giving the Supreme Court explicit and democratically granted powers to preserve the Constitutional reality. These measures can relieve the anxiety and leave secular Jews far confident in their future here. For those interested in returning to something closer to the Socialist heyday in the earlier days of the State, the Kupot Memshala can enable something like that to occur.
- Mizrachi: Many Mizrachi Jews fall between the religious extremes. Their need for separate Kupot Memshala is probably somewhat blunted. This is increasingly true as Mizrachi Jews and the Mizrachi community have risen to positions of prominence in recent years. We can easily imagine a broad-spectrum Kupat Memshala being established to encompass a large swath of the population. This Constitution doesn’t necessarily offer any particular gift to this community, but it does offer the prospect of internal peace and checks and balances on the political extremes we have seen recently.
- Arab: Various Arab groups could choose to create their own Kupot Memshala or join Kupot Memshala that cross religions. Given the emphasis on social values, it is easy to imagine an Islamist Kupat Memshala being established. This opportunity for self-rule within the State would relieve some of the challenges – both in terms of honor and lifestyle – involved with being a minority population. As with Haredim, there are vast difference between Arab communities. Some may even welcome the opportunity to leave the State altogether.
- National Religious: This Constitution would be most challenging for the National Religious. Removing the designation of Israel as a Jewish State (and moving State religious institutions to the Kupot Memshala) would not seem to fit the National Religious vision. However, there are two countervailing factors. First, the National Religious community is becoming increasingly aware that outreach is the key to realizing their vision. People didn’t simply embrace this vision as obvious and apparent after the victories of 1967. This Constitution enables two forms of outreach. First, the National Religious can create a Kupat Memshala that can serve as a fuller model for how they believe Jewish life in the Land of Israel should be lived. Second, the Balanced Districts electoral system will provide continual opportunities for National Religious leaders to reach across Sectors. It would be an ideal forum and opportunity to pitch the National Religious vision.
- Others: While some smaller ethno-religious groups (e.g. the Druze) might choose to join larger Kupot Memshala, the option to form their own groups may well be appealing. It is also possible that other ideologies will attempt to establish Kupot Memshala. Kupot Memshala that have no ethnic connection, like a Libertarian Kupat Memshala, could make Israel a hotbed for innovative government. The very ability of smaller groups to simply leave Kupot Memshala that don’t aren’t serving them effectively can be a powerful tool in ensuring their needs are met. After all, 100,000 people in a Kupat Memshala can be a lot more impactful than 100,000 in the State.
The above reviews why Kupot Memshala would be attractive to the people. The politicians are another issue entirely. Those motivated by an ability to redirect significant State resources to their own friends would find the Kupot Memshala model unattractive. If they were Kupat Memshala politicians, they would be limited to working with Kupat Memshala funds (at risk of undermining their own Kupat Memshala’s existence). At the same time, a narrow platform of fund redirection would not enough to win a broad-based Balanced District.
The politicians who will embrace this model are those who truly want peace in Israel. They will be true Statesmen, interested in bringing the country together and respecting the wishes of its people.
This Constitution needs only to be voted on in the Knesset. However, for that vote to be successful, 66% of the Knesset has to be convinced to be statesmen. Popular support is absolutely critical.
This is why we are asking people to donate money for advertising and get involved in spreading the word. While some politicians may well step up, this needs to be a broad-based citizens initiative. It is a chance for our whole country to reinvent itself.
So, volunteer to host information nights, attend information nights, speak to your friends, argue about the good and bad. We hope, as this Constitution has been written only in the interest of securing domestic peace in Israel, that our people can show that they can lead the way.
Get involved in the movement.