Two items in today's (Sun 5 Sept) caught my eye immediately; (a) "Schools' Civics funding cut, transferred to Jewish studies" and (b) "Neeman leaves it president to decide on Benizri pardon" (sorry, currently no link). I believe there's a direct and clear connection between the two news items.
The first discusses how the Education Minister Gideon Sa'ar (via his appointed chair of the ministry's Pedagogic Secretariat (Dr.) Zvi Zameret) cut most of its budget for the intensive civics classes for the 11th and 12th grades and the regular civics class for grade 10, and transferring the funds into the teaching of Jewish studies.
The second reports how the Justice Minister (Prof) Yaakov Neeman decision to refer the request for a pardon for former minister Shlomo Beniziri (Shas) without recommendation to President Shimon Peres. (Benizri was convicted in 2008 for accepting bribes, breach of trust, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Last year the Supreme Court criticized his behavior and increased his jail sentence from a year and half to four years.). Neeman's behavior is viewed as highly unusual. A former Justice Minister (and left-wing politician) Yossi Beilin suggested that it was "a clear evasion of responsibility." The case and request for pardon is viewed as a statement about Israel's commitment to addressing corruption. A working, real example of civics in action.
end -- published 30 Jan 2011
Reflections on the current “reality” and an existential struggle with living in a modern world (with no set of universally accepted rules of conduct and behavior). Thinking through issues when most seem to plow through without any true plan in mind. Where knee-jerk and instantaneous gratification trumps consideration for the greater good and critical thought. Where ‘blissful ignorance’ trumps angstful intelligence.
