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Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 41 No. 7. April 10 1978

[Introduction]

Last Tuesday, Zaitan Atashi, an Arab member of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) spoke at a forum in the Union Hall. The session was a valuable lesson in democracy, Zionism and the value placed on open debate by the various parties who took part.

Atashi began by stressing that his views were not necessarily those of his government (he belongs to the Democratic Movement for Change Party which helps form Menachem Begin's coalition majority). His aim, he stated, was to "clarify certain views held by certain people." The picture he painted of Israel and the justifications he gave for Israel's actions undoubtedly did that. One theme ran through everything he said: his vision of democracy and unity in Israel. The following points were made to support this argument: Arabic and Hebrew are both first languages, and although there are only seven Arab members of the Knesset there could be more, there could be less. There is no state religion and religious freedom prevails throughout the country. There are no religious parties.

Things Start to Hot up........

Things Start to Hot up........

Atashi admitted that many people still feel unequal and unhappy, but pointed out that this was so in any "democratic" society. Israel, however, is "the only country in the area to give this privilege of being a free Israeli, to speak out, voice an opinion and criticise the Israeli government." It is "an example to other societies and communities in the world and especially in the Middle East." The aim of the government is to "Israelize all Israelis', and in doing this it "has now reached a very satisfactory situation."

Atashi did add that there is one exception to the rule of equality: Arabs who do not do their military training cannot gain employment in any profession or government department connected with the defence forces. He did not say how far this restriction carried.