Israel Might Have a Constitution Within the Next Two Years

Justice Minister Moshe Nissim believes Israel will have a Constitution within the next two years, resting on 10 basic laws.

He told reporters yesterday that within the time frame, the Knesset will enact three more basic laws, bringing the total to 10. One basic law was adopted yesterday, dealing with the legal system. The other three, now in the process of preparation, concern the State Comptroller, human rights and legislation.

In June, 1950, the Knesset resolved not to enact a formal constitution but to adopt basic laws which would collectively form one. The process has been delayed over the years owing to objections by various political parties, notably the religious factions which insist that the only binding constitution is the Bible and halacha–religious law.

Nissim expressed the hope that when a Constitution finally materializes it will reflect the national consensus.

CLARIFICATION

In the latter section of the second of a three-part series on Canadian Jewry, in the February 8 Daily News Bulletin, reference was made to an action of the government of Ontario in taking over the assets of a trust company. The president of the company, it was reported, has made allegations about unspecified anti-Semitic motivations behind the affair.

This view is not shared by Ontario Jews, or by Canadian Jews in general. The government of Premier William Davis of Ontario has always had congenial relations with the province’s Jewish community. The Premier and his government, moreover, have been strong supporters of Jewish philanthropic agencies within the province and have consistently supported the aims and aspirations of the State of Israel, both through political and economic channels.

Since the article was written, it was learned that the company which took over the receivership of the trust company is also owned by Jewish interests, indicating clearly that no anti-Jewish animus was involved in the Ontario government’s original action.