BICOM

The Knesset, Israel’s parliament yesterday marked its 65th anniversary with a special celebratory plenum and opened its doors to the public.

At the plenum, President Shimon Peres, himself a Knesset member for almost 50 years, provided an historical context, saying “Speeches on peace were given and lessons from wars were learned. Here in the plenum and the committees, Israeli society is shaped through laws and regulations.” He also advised Knesset members “Emphasize three goals: reaching peace with our neighbours, increasing our level in science and education, and bringing social justice for all.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised that “Democracy has deep roots for the Jewish people, which come from the idea of every man being created in the image of God.” Meanwhile, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein said, “65 years ago the seed was planted and the foundations of Israeli parliamentary democracy were laid… Since then, it has grown into a glorious tree and its roots have deepened in Israeli society.” Edelstein further commented, “Stances and ideologies, faiths and hopes compete here, but there is room for everyone,” highlighting the Knesset’s “variety in genders, ethnicities, religions, cultures and nations. This is our beauty, the colourful mosaic we comprise.” Meanwhile, opposition and Labour party leader Isaac Herzog commented that Israel is
“such a complex and often divided society” but that the Knesset is a forum “in which minority groups’ voices are heard.”

An estimated 4,000 members of the public visited the Knesset yesterday and took part in a range of activities in the committee rooms and auditoriums. Among the activities, Interior Minister Gideon Saar read stories to young children while Education Minister Shai Piron moderated a debate between high-school students. Meanwhile, Israel’s Chief Rabbis were also present and Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau urged continued respect between Knesset members, saying “Talk to one another, not about one another, and then this House will pass good laws.”