Looking Forward, Looking Back: A Political Conversation with Professor Emerita Hadassa Kosak, Professor of History
Editor’s Note: Stephanie L. Gross is a Librarian of Electronic Reserves and Scholarly Communication at Yeshiva University.
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege and joy of working with Hadassa Kosak, professor emerita of history and Jewish history at Yeshiva University. With each visit, we have reviewed news stories both in print and on social media. I have shared with her some of my favorite advocate influencers for Israel as well as capable politicians to follow. Her interests are varied, covering current events both at home and afar. One topic of major interest is, of course, Israel. (Note: Since most of this conversation transpired in Hebrew, I will paraphrase in English.)
On Israel today
Stephanie L. Gross: On the question of civil unrest in Israel today. How might we understand this here in the States?
Hadassa Kosak: Israel is a country that is very diversified. There are not only Jews, but non-Jews. There are religious Jews and non-religious Jews. The current government is an extreme right-wing government that does not reflect the majority population. People want better representation, with greater accountability to all. Bibi Netanyahu appears to be corrupt and must leave. There are other seasoned politicians who will give freshness to the niggling issues of security, finance and foreign relations.
SLG: But how will this change? By demonstrations, or can it be done by elections? We saw just before the war in 2023 not only mass demonstrations, but numerous elections as the coalitions failed one after the other. It would seem, according to my research, that the parliamentary system of government may promise better representation, but is more fragile than the two-party system of government which the United States, as a republic of 50 states, has. What solution might be sought to bring more stability to the country?
HK: Bibi will not win the next election. It is obvious that Israelis want and demand a change in government. This will most likely occur with the formation of new parties such as Yahad and Oz.
Mandatory army service for all
SLG: Do you think that Israel can force Haredi Jews to either serve in the army or do national service? Would employing punitive sanctions, such as financial aid and housing, work?
HK: Possibly. I served in the IDF for two years. I did my duty. Everyone should serve their country.
Basic Law vs. Constitution
SLG: Currently Israel has quasi-constitutional laws of the State of Israel, some of which can only be changed by a supermajority vote in the Knesset. If a more liberal majority coalition comes to power, this can and certainly will be changed. Moreover, the protests in 2023 were in response to the government’s push for full control of the Supreme Court.
SLG: Do you think that Israeli voters will be able to push back and regain a more just, civil balance of power in the government?
HK: I certainly hope so.
Israel as a Jewish State
SLG: Do you think that the current population of Israel wants to see Israel as a majority Jewish state with Hatikvah as the national anthem? Or do you see Israel as a non-apartheid country with all citizens given the right to vote?
HK: I do not think that Israel is an apartheid state since all citizens have the right to vote. However, we cannot overlook the fact that Israel has occupied territory in Judea and Samaria since 1967 and that land should be exchanged via a peace process. Of course, many governments have repeatedly tried and failed to do so.
SLG: Is this because many Palestinians do not recognize the right of the State of Israel to exist?
HK: Yes, of course.
SLG: Do you think that a more liberal government, with separation between religion and state, will help resolve this stalemate?
HK: Not necessarily. Even if many Arabs would like peace, they are not willing to accept Israel in any form. For two decades, the civilian population has been brainwashed by Hamas, used as human shields, and UNRWA has not had the resources to turn this political tide.
SLG: Why do Jews (and non-Jews) make aliyah? And why do many leave?
HK: I think for many, even if they are not religious, they see the country as their ethnic homeland, oftentimes a refuge from growing antisemitism in the West.
SLG: For example, how do you explain what is happening in Great Britain today? What do you foresee will be the future of this country that welcomed so many Jews in past centuries?
HK: It is heartbreaking to see, definitely. Time will tell, but I do believe that the government will change and public pressure from both Jews and non-Jews will make a positive difference.
SLG: And why are Jews now leaving Israel in great numbers?
HK: Israel is a Middle Eastern country. Many people, especially well-educated ones, are attracted by the wide opportunities available in the West. Also, and this is important, many wish to be close to their families. Israel is certainly a homogeneous country by majority. It is common for young people especially to want to live in more diverse environments.
SLG: And also, there is a limit to how much time people wish to live in fear, run to air raid shelters, etc. And so many families are now bereft of their sons and daughters, soldiers returning maimed physically, mentally. Families are broken, businesses are broken. War has taken a great toll on this population, and it seems unfair to judge those who choose to find peace outside of Israel.
Photo Credit: Yeshiva University
Photo Caption: Hadassa Kosak
