Last month's Likud Central Committee vote triggered a period of introspection in Manhigut Yehudit. The vote was not merely procedural. Netanyahu's goal in changing the Likud constitution was to pave the way to retreat from Jerusalem. The fact that Netanyahu's proposal won a special majority of the votes and - no less important – the way that the proposal was passed, forced us to reconsider a number of our basic assumptions.
We did not hide the fact that we were in a process of deliberation. On the contrary, we held meetings throughout Israel with all interested members of Manhigut Yehudit. We also held countless email and phone discussions with concerned Manhigut supporters from around the world. This important and inspiring process led us to conclusions that differed from our initial response. We are very proud of the process of collective soul searching that took place.
Below, Moshe Feiglin fills us in on some of the details of Manhigut Yehudit's official position on the Likud. Scroll down past the video box for an English translation of his (Hebrew) message.
The Likud is still the leadership tool of the national camp. Neither Netanyahu's willingness to surrender Jerusalem, nor the serious blow to the democratic process in the party have changed that fact. Am Yisrael is still in the party and the Likud remains the arena upon which Israel's leadership battles are played out. We have no intention of leaving that arena. We will continue to work in the Likud, to register new members – and I will continue to run for the leadership of the party and the State of Israel.
We certainly understand that the enlightened tyranny has no intention of surrendering its hegemony over the State of Israel and - when it comes to Manhigut Yehudit – the rule of their game is to break the rules. We have set our sights high and we know that the higher we climb, the more forces will try to prevent us from achieving our goals. Presently, our ability to continue to progress despite the forces arrayed against us is being tested.
We have a lot of work waiting for us – both within politics and without:
In addition to our political activism, we plan to redouble our efforts to develop Manhigut Yehudit as an ideological and social movement. We must reach out to all sectors of Israeli society and articulate clear policies and definitive answers to the challenges that Israel faces today. We have solutions to the dangers looming on Israel's horizon. Our faith-based perspective has given rise to realistic and effective solutions for Israel's woes. We have solutions for education in the various sectors of our nation; we have solutions for welfare and the economy, demography, Arab terror and the blockade on Gaza. Faith based leadership will not leave Jonathan Pollard to rot in prison or Gilad Shalit to rot in captivity. Our challenge is to ensure that every Jew in Israel will know about the Jewish leadership alternative and will strive to make it a reality.
We have faith and we have practical solutions. We are sticking to our goals and remaining in the national leadership arena. We express the truth and are bonded with the Eternal One of Israel. For all those reasons and with G-d's help, we will turn our aspirations into a new reality for Israel.
The State of Israel is in disarray. As talented as it may be, our current leadership is retreating on all fronts. Their lack of confidence in the justness of our very existence leads them to constantly attempt to placate the world with more withdrawals and more capitulation.
Israel must be firm in its conviction that our existence in the Land of Israel is just and that our Land belongs exclusively to the Jewish People by virtue of G-d's promise to our forefathers. The only movement that proposes just such a vision and a faith-based Jewish alternative for the State of Israel is Manhigut Yehudit. We will never abandon our struggle for real Jewish leadership for Israel. We place our trust in the G-d of Israel, we believe in the Nation of Israel and we are loyal to the Torah of Israel.
The moment that our nation will cry out for faith-based leadership is rapidly approaching. With G-d's help, we will be there – ready to land on our feet – when that happens.
Manhigut Yehudit is planting the seeds of the faith-based revolution throughout Israel. Now is the time to help. Click here to donate.
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