In my library, I have one of the most important nonfiction books ever published here: "Politics of Memory" by Professor Udi Lebel. The subtitle indicates its content: "The Israeli Underground's struggle for inclusion in the national pantheon and military commemoralization."
The way I see it, the book describes one of the darkest period of the history of the state: the Laborite oppression of, discrimination against, and even cruelty toward members of the various undergrounds, alive or dead, after the founding of the state. Lebel researched the extent of the abuse toward the underground fighters both in their daily lives and after they died: whom they were buried next to, and how they were memorialized, if at all. Those were black days that will always remembered as a stain on the country's history.
Recently, I was listening to Rachel Meridor-Kramerman – the daughter of one of the leaders of the Irgun, Yaakov Meridor – reminisce about the atmosphere of threat and hatred that clouded her childhood. No one misses the exclusion of the days of the "red book" (Labor party membership), which guaranteed those who held it a way of supporting their families. In those days, even a man named Yitzhak Shamir had a hard time making a living because he had been one of the commanders of the Lehi.
I'm not comparing those years of discrimination to the present day, but I'm convinced that Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis will understand the historical hint as a reference to his refusal to approve the membership of neurologist Professor Yael Amitai on the German-Israel Foundation (GIF) for Scientific Research and Development because years ago, she expressed support for conscientious objectors who refused to serve beyond the Green Line.
Amitai and Akunis don't vote the same way. I'm a member of the right-wing camp, too, but how is the minister responding to the protest against his decision about the scientist's membership? By stressing that the Likud is a nationalist, liberal camp.
Some say that Akunis was motivated by his desire for a high place on the Likud list in the next Knesset election. Some are calling his decision "groveling for votes" among the Likud voters. Does anyone in the Likud truly believe that rejecting Amitai from the GIF will give Akunis any advantage on the day of the Likud primary, which decides the party list? Let's hope not.
Is this the public and political image Akunis wants? And this is how he will be seen not only by Israelis but by scientists from other countries? What will happen if some scientific institution grants Amitai an award for her research? It will be hailed as an honor "for all of us, for the State of Israel!"
I have a warm relationship with Akunis, which is why I urge him to change his mind. If he says, "I made a mistake, I take it back," it might very well boost him in people's opinion. And if he does, it will be "for the glory of the State of Israel."
A politician who says, "I made a mistake" will make history. He'll prove that he has a wise, humane mind. I'm confident that Professor Amitai would agree with me.
