South African Columnist Envisions Israeli Unity and Coexistence

Daniel Yakcobi, a columnist for the Jewish Report and a native of Jerusalem, has expressed his vision for a unified Israel. Writing from South Africa, Yakcobi reflects on his upbringing on Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu and his desire for Israel's leaders to work together. He draws inspiration from Psalm 133, which speaks of brothers dwelling in unity and the Lord commanding His blessing. Yakcobi believes that Israel's leaders must put aside their pride and work towards a shared purpose.

Yakcobi suggests that Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot should form a government of national unity. This would require both leaders to surrender some of their pride and listen to one another. Yakcobi envisions a future where Israel works alongside its allies to confront the Islamic Republic's machinery of terror and help bring its rule to an end. The goal, he says, is a free Iran where the people can choose their own government.

The Iranian people deserve solidarity, according to Yakcobi. He imagines an Iranian mother hoping for a better future for her daughter, free from fear of the state. Yakcobi emphasizes that the stand is against the regime and the violent jihadist ideology that sanctifies repression and terror. Muslims who reject this ideology should stand alongside those defending freedom.

Yakcobi highlights the importance of defending freedoms such as speech, expression, religion, and coexistence. These values, he notes, are rooted in the Judeo-Christian inheritance that shaped Western democracy. He believes that firmness against tyranny and compassion for people go hand-in-hand. Loving one's neighbor cannot mean leaving them at the mercy of those who would harm them.

Yakcobi also envisions a future where Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords. As the home of Islam's two holiest cities, Saudi Arabia's embrace of coexistence could carry significant weight. This move could change the conversation in mosques, classrooms, and governments worldwide. It could also pressure Qatar to reevaluate its support for Hamas and Al Jazeera.

Qatar's hosting of Hamas leaders and financing of Al Jazeera have raised concerns. The network has broadcast antisemitic incitement, documented by the Anti-Defamation League. Yakcobi argues that providing terrorists with hospitality or hatred with a publicly funded platform deserves unequivocal condemnation.

Yakcobi's vision extends to classrooms in Hebron or Shechem, where children learn to accept and respect their neighbors. He proposes self-governing city-states in Judea and Samaria, with local Arab leaders working with Israel. Education for coexistence could become a practical responsibility, and Arab citizens of Israel would retain their citizenship and equal civic rights.

Key points

• A unified Israel requires leaders to put aside their differences and work towards a shared purpose.
• Defending freedoms such as speech, expression, and coexistence is crucial in the pursuit of peace.
• Education can play a significant role in promoting coexistence and acceptance.