Sheikh Muhammad Sharif Odeh: Without Jewish-Arab partnership, Israel will not be a liberal democratic state
Sheikh Muhammad Sharif Odeh, head of the Ahmadiyya community in Israel, argues in an opinion piece that excluding Arab citizens from political partnership contradicts Herzl's vision, the Declaration of Independence, and the values of the Bible, warning of harm to democracy and national resilience.
Sheikh Muhammad Sharif Odeh, head of the Ahmadiyya community in Israel, argues in an opinion piece that excluding Arab citizens from political life contradicts Herzl's vision and the Declaration of Independence, as well as the values of the Bible. He quotes Herzl, who wrote about equal rights for members of other religions, and the Declaration of Independence, which calls on the Arab inhabitants of the state to take part in building the state on the basis of full and equal citizenship. Odeh warns that removing Arab parties from the political game could lead to a coalition deadlock, damage Arab public trust in state institutions, deepen rifts, and strengthen the far right. He emphasizes that equality and non-exclusion are not only moral imperatives but also strengthen national solidarity, the economy, and security.