Yadin Says Next Government Must Act to Resolve Social Problems

Prof. Yigal Yadin, leader of the Democratic Movement for Change, warned today that the next Israeli government must take “brave measures” to solve the country’s grave economic problems and close the gap between haves and have-nots in Israel’s society. Yadin spoke at the opening session of the DMC’s National Council.

He came down hard on Labor for its seemingly endless wage demands and the eruption of strikes, especially in the public sector. “We cannot survive if everyone attempts to grab more than he deserves according to his productivity. It is unacceptable that workers in essential services have a stranglehold on the State,” Yadin declared.

In a departure from his prepared text, the Hebrew University archaeologist made an omission significant to the volatile issue of religion in Israel. Asking rhetorically “What kind of State would we like to see,” Yadin said “Our movement has put it clearly: the State of Israel was designed to be the State of the Jews and its system democratic.”

He did not add the words, “in accordance with the traditions of the Jewish people” which is usually interpreted to mean in accordance with Orthodox Judaism to which the State at least nominally adheres. This indicated that the DMC may insert a last-minute platform plank calling for a separation between State affairs and religion.

Yadin demanded compulsory arbitration of labor disputes, strongly opposed by the Labor Alignment and Histadrut. But he insisted there was “no alternative.” He noted that a voluntary arbitration institute was established but failed to prevent strikes.

STRENGTH AND UNITY REQUIRED

Yadin said Israel could offer the world a rare combination of products based on advanced science at low costs. But “if we lose one of the two we have no future,” he warned. He said Israel should make it clear to the U.S. that it was in America’s interest to enable Israel to produce for itself rather than be dependent on American allocations.

He described the social problems plaguing Israel as “difficult” and the past outbursts of violence among the underprivileged as only their surface manifestation. Unless the social gap is closed, Israel could face a clash between the underprivileged and those who enjoy the fruits of economic progress, he warned.

“If we are strong and united internally, if we know our way and believe in our rights, then neither our enemies nor our friends will be able to impose on us something we don’t want,” Yadin said.