This is a sad day for the state of Israel. The former
president, Moshe Katzav, will be spending the next 7 years in jail after having
his appeal rejected by the Supreme Court. In fact, this is not only saddening
news but it is quite embarrassing as well.
Deliberately, I haven’t been following the details of the
case. I felt no need for that and also think that much of what has been
discussed is inappropriate, to state it mildly, for the Shabbat table - just a
random measure I’ve set as a way of defining what’s worth listening to. But in
my eyes the significance of today’s ruling is way beyond that which Mr. Katzav did or
did not do.
Today Israel shows its people, and the entire world as well,
that it does not hold a double standard towards any individual regardless of
his or her status or contribution to society. Even if one day it will be proven
that this whole saga is an awful mistake and that the former president did not
commit any crime, we should remember this historic day as a time when Israel,
once again, proved itself to be a truly democratic and free country.
Yes, it is expected that the Jewish state act within the
highest standards of morality, yet in no way is it to be taken for-granted. Once
again we have gotten a glimpse of the beautiful Middle Eastern gem twinkling in
the dark.
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