It looks obvious

The gay parade controversy over in Israel is very important in defining the character of the state for coming years. The religious parties that oppose having the parade in Jerusalem are willing to use violence in order to enforce their ways, and prevent others from practice their way of life. The importance of preventing the religions violence from disturbing the parade is beyond simple crowd control mater. It is significant event in an on going struggle to ensure the superiority of the legitimate government over any group, or ideology.

Since its founding moments the state of Israel had to establish, and defend, that the elected government is holding the monopoly of the enforcing power. In 1948 it required shooting down the weapon ship Altalena and breaking down the Palmach; both highly controversial actions done by very charismatic leader.

This was only the beginning since the state allowed influence of religious leaders on the country’s political life; act that was leading into conflicts that no western country should have. It was Major General Gershon hacohen explained, during the evacuation of the settlers from Gaza strip, that the struggle with the religious settlers isn’t about the land but about the conflict between the rabbinical leadership and the statehood.

But if the violence during the disengagement was controlled and limited, now we are facing new level of escalation. It has to be, therefore, very clear that the state cannot make any compromise and have to break this threat for its sovereignty. It isn’t only the rights of the gays to parade wherever they want, which they have, it is the ability of the state to protect this right. The religious people believe that they can enforce they will, and they have to be proven wrong if Israel want to protect its democratic characteristic.

I’m not in Israel, but if I was I would be in Jerusalem - parading with the gays and the freedom lovers - and I would say to those who wants to enforce their way of life on me - No Pasaran!

Technorati Tags: Israel - Pride parade - Jerusalem - Liberal Democracy - Riots - Disengagement