More than 2,000 Jewish citizens from 27 countries, including residents of Israel and the Diaspora, have published an open letter urging Israeli political leaders to create a new governing alliance. The document, initiated by The London Initiative and released on Wednesday, calls for the formation of a coalition of change. The signatories believe this new government can repair institutional damage and reverse recent political declines.
The letter is addressed to several prominent figures, including Gadi Eisenkot of Yashar, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, Yair Golan of The Democrats, Avigdor Liberman of Yisrael Beytenu, Mansour Abbas of Raam, and Yousef Jabareen of The Joint List. The authors argue that these leaders have a historic chance to build a broad and stable administration. They emphasize that the futures of Israel and global Jewry are deeply intertwined, citing the vision of Israel's founders in the Declaration of Independence.
The signatories outlined five specific commitments for the proposed coalition of parties. First, they demand the repair of Israel's liberal democracy and the restoration of the rule of law. Second, the letter calls for a fairer society based on equal rights and obligations for all citizens, regardless of race, creed, or sex. The writers explicitly state that this commitment includes welcoming parties that represent Israel's Arab citizens.
Additional priorities in the letter include renewing the pursuit of secure peace with the Palestinian people. The authors argue that true security and peace are interdependent. They also call for a stronger partnership between Israel and the Diaspora, one based on mutual respect and an appreciation of their distinct circumstances. Finally, the letter urges leaders to engage in diplomacy to rebuild bilateral relations with the signatories' home governments in ways that benefit Israel, those countries, and their Jewish communities.
The initiative is led by Mick Davis, the former CEO of the UK's Conservative Party and ex-chairman of the UK's Jewish Leadership Council. Davis stated that decisions made in Israel affect Jews everywhere and that real leadership is needed to ensure this opportunity is not missed. He emphasized that Diaspora Jews must express their positions to ensure their voices are heard in the political process.
A diverse group of notable figures has signed the document. Among them are Charles Bronfman, the Canadian-born founder of Birthright, and philanthropist Vivienne Duffield. Former British cabinet minister Malcolm Rifkind, who served as foreign and defense secretary, is also a signatory. Other international signatories include Matthew Gould, a former British ambassador to Israel, and Michael Walzer, a professor emeritus at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.
Israeli signatories include Sharon Lifshitz, the daughter of former hostages Yocheved and Oded Lifshitz. Magen Inon, whose parents were murdered during the October 7 massacre, has also signed. The letter notes that recent polls indicate a majority of Israeli voters and a large majority of Diaspora Jews believe the outgoing government caused significant cumulative damage to the country's democracy, society, and security.
The authors argue that many policies of the previous administration eroded Israel's standing in the community of democratic nations. They specifically mention strained relations with the United States, Israel's most important ally. The letter suggests that these processes pose an existential danger to the future of both Israel and the Diaspora.
While embracing the idea of unity, the signatories caution that it must be based on specific principles. They argue that a unity government that papers over fundamental disagreements will not govern effectively. The letter notes that many previous attempts at unity have ended in failure and stood in the way of necessary change. The writers conclude by expressing hope for a government of change and a tireless partnership to advance the values of Israel and Diaspora Jewry.
