מצפן אזרחי

A Country Without Rules?

In Israel, no one prohibits demonstrations, and so it is right. Democracy without the right to demonstrate is not true democracy.

But there is one question that needs to be asked:

Why does it seem that the law is enforced in a different way in different cases?

In recent years, we see again and again roadblocks, sometimes for hours. What has changed? The law or the way it is enforced?

And if tomorrow Arabs, Bedouins, or Christians will also block roads in a regular manner – will the police act in the same way?

Or do different groups have different rules?

The law must be equal for all.

Without any difference in religion, origin, or political views.

And there is another question that is almost never asked:

Who finances the large demonstrations?

Organizing large-scale demonstrations costs money: transportation, signs, advertising, equipment, and coordination.

If everything is funded by private donations and volunteers – it's mentioned.

But if there is funding from foreign sources, the public has the right to know.

In Israel, there are laws that require organizations that receive funding from foreign countries or public bodies abroad to report on this.

If the law exists – it must be implemented.

Not just against the right.

Not just against the left.

But against everyone.

We hear again and again allegations of foreign funding, including mentions of the Soros Foundation and other bodies.

If the allegations are true – the public is entitled to transparency.

If they are not true – facts should be presented to refute them.

“Civil Compass” is not involved in party politics.

We are not for Bibi and we are not against Bibi.

We are for the rule of law.

And we believe that democracy does not end on election day.

We support direct democracy:

Before the elections, every candidate must clearly publish what he commits to do if elected.

Every year, he must present to the public an account: what he did, what he did not do, and why.

And citizens should have the opportunity to ask questions, receive answers, and influence decision-making on a regular basis – not just every four years.

Sounds like a fantasy?

In Netanya, it's already starting to work. There are elected officials who evade questions, and there are those who answer, cooperate, and understand that this is how democracy looks in the future – a democracy in which citizens are true partners, not just voters on election day.

Such models exist in European countries.

So why can't we, Israeli citizens, do the same?

We are against anarchy.

We are for the rule of law.

We are for transparency.

And we have one simple question:

Is the law really equal for everyone?

Dr. Ygal Guttinik

“Civil Compass”