Before Asking for Our Vote Again, They Should Ask for Forgiveness

Miron H. Izakson argues that before leaders ask for the public's vote in elections, they must express public and detailed remorse for their failures in the last term. He calls on the Prime Minister, his ministers, and Knesset members to admit mistakes and share in the public's grief, understanding that national consolation is impossible without repentance.

Miron H. Izakson writes in an opinion piece that after Tisha B'Av, the period of national consolation requires public repentance from the leadership. He quotes the Haftarah from Isaiah and emphasizes the connection between 'a covenant of the people' and 'a light to the nations.' According to him, it is impossible to strengthen national and social consolation without clear and detailed feelings of remorse from the leaders, especially ahead of the election season. He calls on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his ministers, and Knesset members to admit their failures in the last term, understand the suffering caused to the public, and express public remorse. Izakson argues that avoiding remorse is not only inappropriate but also politically foolish, and even if the move is late and small, it is necessary from a human and Jewish perspective.