Professors for a Strong Israel
Statement to the Press - 29 March 2002
Re: Checks and balances
Professors for a Strong Israel is amazed at the High Court of Justice decision to invalidate a law that was passed by the sovereign legislature of the State of Israel. This unanimous decision, which strikes at the central principle of separation of powers, demonstrates once again the distortion that stems from the method by which judges are appointed. Since sitting judges have a decisive influence over the appointment of new judges and their advancement, the High Court of Justice is a self-replicating institution. This latest decision, striking down the Arutz-7 law, shows a continuing political bias that, in this case, has worked to preserve the almost complete dominance of the Left over the media, and hence over Israeli society.
We deplore the media circus in which the court's decision is presented as having made Arutz 7 illegal. The court found fault with the Knesset's legislation, not with the radio station.
We call on the Knesset to change the procedure for appointing judges, to restore the system of checks and balances in Israeli democracy, to open the electronic media to fair competition, and to impose a standard of honesty on the state media. Now more than ever, it is essential that the Right be given a voice in the media. It is essential not just for "religious settlers," but for the millions who are frustrated with the failure of the state media to reflect their opinions and feelings.
Dr. Ron Breiman, Chairman of PSI
Tel: 050-518 940