Yossi Schwartz ISL (RCIT section in Israel/Occupied Palestine) 22.09.2026
On this Yom Kippur, we saw the president of the Zionist state calling for the unity of the Jews in Israel by his support of a cold blood murderer who killed a wounded Palestinian fighter who was lying helpless on the ground, Elor Azaria. The Zionist president shortened the period of Azaria’s criminal record on the eve of Yom Kippur, following the recommendation of the Minister of Murders, Yisrael Katz. The act of the rag known as the president is support for the extreme right, which sees Azaria as a hero. Katz said that granting the pardon sends a message to soldiers and their families: “We do not abandon fighters and do not leave them behind.” He concluded his remarks by addressing Azaria and his family: “I strengthen you and your family and wish you a happy end and a year of new beginnings.”[i]
This Yom Kippur revealed how all the Zionist television channels support the push of Israelis to the Zionist and racist Jewish mode of religion.
“The binge of direct Selichot broadcasts from the Western Wall on Saturday night provided a tailwind for the most prominent phenomenon in Israeli society these days: the rapprochement with religion, which is positively called “strengthening.” Conspicuous in their absence: interviewees who believe that forgiveness from God and worship of the brick wall are ridiculous. “Strengthening” is a push for the Jewish religion in the Zionist version with consent. A general rapprochement with religion, by consensus. [ii]”.
“All five Israeli broadcasting channels broadcast a direct Selichot broadcast from the Western Wall. A halachic state. Channels 14 and 15 were filled by the Bibi ones, whose mission is to strengthen Jewish religious identity. Channels 11, 12 and 13, which appeal to a mainstream audience that includes secular Jews, broadcast three ostensibly separate programs, with other presenters, edited by several editors. In fact, they were completely identical ideologically. In fact, they were united broadcasts. The purpose of all the programs was to spread the message of Jewish religious identity as a common denominator that unites the people. Alongside it, there was admiration for the general “strengthening” as a natural trend that sweeps the public, and that viewers should join in.”[iii]
“Conspicuous by their absence: interviewees who believe that forgiveness from God and worship of the brick wall are ridiculous. The guest list in the three programs was essentially the same: mainly the survivors of captivity. The survivors of captivity are the new class of martyrs in Israeli society. They have already undergone a process of redemption from the tunnels, and now they are leading a process of redemption throughout Israel, a “correction” with a distinctly religious overtone. They have seen the light. They have gained insights. They are endowed with spiritual authority. Suffering has hardened them to lead to “strengthening.” From darkness to light, from the cave (tunnel) of despair to hope. They are the unifying figures, around whom one must gather, become one, erase the differences in favor of “unity.” What is unity? Unity is a condition for redemption. For this reason, we must separate from other values, which, by virtue of being “divisive,” are considered harmful and distance the redemption[iv]. “
The identical Selichot broadcasts were religious propaganda broadcasts: the Jewish masses flocked to the Western Wall, the symbol of ancient religious and tribal identity. People are “getting stronger.” And those who are not at the Western Wall are “getting stronger” in a synagogue. Yes, in Tel Aviv as well. Secular people, too. Almost all.” [v]
This Yom Kippur indicates that the next government will be as right wing as this one if not worse. It is clear that those who left Netanyahu are turning to the far right not only to Ben Gvir but to Vinter’s “Your People Israel”. At the same time there is a real possibility for a new Intifada. Currently there are still individual acts of resistance.
Endnotes:
[i] Writer in Haaretz Rogel Alper September 22, 2026 https://www.haaretz.co.il/gallery/television/tv-review/2026-09-22/ty-article/.premium/000001a0-c529-df75-a7a7-ffeb5ea00000
[ii] Ibid
[iii] Ibid
[iv] Ibid
[v] Ibid