Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu took action on Sunday by expelling an activist from his Likud party who made offensive remarks trivializing the Holocaust during protests against judicial reform.
A video circulating on social media captured Itzik Zarka cursing and spitting at demonstrators near a traffic junction close to Beit Shean last night.
His words, “It’s not for nothing that six million were killed,” followed by “I’m proud that six million of you were burned!” demonstrated a shocking insensitivity.
These remarks touched upon historical tensions between Ashkenazi Jews and Sephardic or Mizrachi Jews of Middle Eastern heritage, who have traditionally constituted a significant support base for the conservative Likud party.
Expressing his strong disapproval, Netanyahu issued a statement announcing Zarka’s expulsion from the Likud movement, emphasizing that such disgraceful behavior would not be tolerated. Zarka had been a prominent figure at party campaign events.
In Israel, denying the Holocaust, questioning its magnitude, or celebrating it is a criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison. The Holocaust is an immensely significant and sensitive topic that generally unites the Jewish community. Consequently, Zarka’s remarks received condemnation from across the political spectrum.
Responding to the backlash, Zarka released a statement on social media claiming that his comments had been taken out of context.
The proposed judicial reforms have been subject to criticism, with opponents arguing that the Netanyahu coalition aims to curtail the independence of the courts. On the other hand, proponents of the overhaul assert that it would foster a more balanced relationship among the branches of government.
{Matzav.com Israel}
Then they wonder why Likud has no siyatta Dishmaya and there’s new elections every few months.
Erev rav member.
Who was his “rebbe”? The Mufti of Al-Qudsh?