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Gil Mildar
As the song says, a Latin American with no money in his pocket.

How Democracy and Religion Risk Israel’s Precarious Future

Ah, the delicious ambiguity of democracy and religion! How easy it is to get lost in their embrace, seeking some haven in the storm that is Israel, a stage for gods and men alike. And when the dust settles, behold a Limor Har-Melech elected, legitimized by the very democratic principles that promise freedom. Ironic, isn’t it?

Don’t be fooled, though. It’s not the mere election of an extremist that should send shivers down our spines. It’s the normalization of that extremism, the rolling out of the red carpet by Likud itself, which once expelled Kahana only to now bed with monsters. What a toxic romance democracy and extremism are having, like two infamous lovers who deserve each other!

And still, who can forget that Israel has kissed Death twice already, dancing with extremism to the tune of two temple ruins? Ah, memory is so conveniently short! The instinct for survival led our wise men to spin defeats into victories, and from this, miracles emerge. Miracles or curses in disguise?

It’s a fine trick, balancing on the tightrope between democracy and religion. But Israel is trying to pull off this trick while inebriated, a glass of wine in one hand and a ticking bomb in the other. And the crowd is applauding, for the stage is set for a tragedy that will make prior acts look like mere rehearsals.

The issue isn’t having extremists; they will always exist. The issue is when those extremists are invited to the party, and worse, when they become the hosts. When that happens, it’s not just one end of the scale that risks tipping but the entire structure that holds it. The cliff looms closer, and what’s worse, many are finding the view enchanting. Ah, the real danger is this complacency, this blindness that lets human stupidity flourish. And stupidity, my dear friends, is the one thing history will never, ever forgive.

About the Author
As a Brazilian, Jewish, and humanist writer, I embody a rich cultural blend that influences my worldview and actions. Six years ago, I made the significant decision to move to Israel, a journey that not only connects me to my ancestral roots but also positions me as an active participant in an ongoing dialogue between the past, present, and future. My Latin American heritage and life in Israel have instilled a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and justice. Through my writing, I delve into themes of authoritarianism, memory, and resistance, aiming not just to reflect on history but to actively contribute to the shaping of a more just and equitable future. My work is an invitation for reflection and action, aspiring to advance human dignity above all.