As the Knesset prepares to return to work for its winter session, a new poll on politics by the University of Haifa shows that Israelis have less faith in their legislators in more than half a decade. Fifty-six percent of Israelis have “little faith” in Knesset members, while only 6 percent believe that MKs can be relied upon to carry out their promises.
The poll, part of the University’s 18th annual measure of the effectiveness of public servants, included 666 participants, representative of the country’s population. The poll asked participants to rate politicians, policies, parties and institutions on a measure of 1 to 5, with 1 indicating a poor opinion of the individual or institution. The ratings indicated an increasing dissatisfaction with politics in general. The “faith rating” this year was 2.05, down from 2.21 in 2016, and 2.45 in 2013. Overall, 56 percent of Israelis said they were dissatisfied with politics in general and had little faith in the process, while 38 percent said they had “moderate faith” in the process. Only 6 percent gave the process high ratings.
The same result held for Israelis’ opinions of political parties in general. Faith in parties to fulfill their promises is at an all-time low of 1.99, with again only 6 percent of Israelis expressing the belief that parties can be relied upon to keep their word.
I Am NOT Inspired At All!
I heard a story about Rabbi Yisrael Salanter.
He was to be Shliach Tzibbur on Yom Kippur (no, not that story!). Then he realized he had forgotten his Tallis at home, so he requested someone go get it for him before he starts. One of the congregants remarked that a Tallis was not obligatory, and the community is waiting, so he should start praying first, and when it arrives, put on the Tallis then.
Answered Rabbi Salanter: We no longer have the Pnimiyus. Should we lose the Chitzoniyus, as well?!
Assuming the story is even true…