Français
Español
English
Portuguese
An American-based watchdog called Freedom House, which monitors countries around the globe, reports that Israel’s democracy thrives, while freedom is on the decline worldwide.
By Yakir Benzion, United With Israel
The annual “Freedom in the World” report was released this week by the human rights watchdog organization Freedom House. It showed that once again Israel is not just a strong and vibrant democracy, but remains the only free country in the Middle East.
Freedom House rates access to political rights and civil liberties in 210 countries and territories through its annual report, which for years has ranked Israel as the only free country in the region.
Freedom House saw Israel’s robust electoral process as a sign of democratic strength and resilience, with Israel scoring 4 out of 4 in tests for electoral freedom.
In fact, Israel was one of the few stable countries in the region, as neighboring Jordan was downgraded from Partly Free to Not Free “due to harsh new restrictions on freedom of assembly … and factors including a lack of adequate preparations that harmed the quality of parliamentary elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Israel held a successful national election in March, 2020 near the start of the pandemic, and the Central Elections Committee in Jerusalem has been gearing up for the upcoming election on March 23. Over 1,000 polling stations, including drive-through voting, will be added in order to maintain coronavirus health safety regulations and ensure that not only every citizen gets to vote safely, but that the elections workers and vote-counters are protected as well.
The contrast between Israel and her neighbors remains striking, with only Lebanon still barely squeaking out a “partly free” ranking. Israel is described as a “multiparty democracy with strong and independent institutions that guarantee political rights and civil liberties.”
Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia were all ranked “not free.”
The report lambasted the Palestinian Authority for its dismal performance when it comes to freedom and democracy.
“Palestinian residents [of Judea and Samaria] … fall under the partial jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is operating with an expired presidential mandate and has no functioning legislature. The PA governs in an authoritarian manner, engaging in acts of repression against journalists and human rights activists who present critical views on its rule,” the report said.
Freedom House ranked Gaza, under the Hamas terror group’s iron-fisted control, at 11/100 – on the same scale as war-torn Yemen. The report noted that Hamas violently suppresses demonstrations, represses Gazan journalists and bloggers and severely restricts freedom of assembly and expression.
The report also acknowledged Israel’s progress in the inclusion of minorities like Ethiopian-Israelis and gave the Jewish state high marks for its democratic institutions.
In the Middle East, Israel is the go-to country for political pluralism and participation, civil liberties, freedom of expression and belief, and personal autonomy and individual rights. While it did not receive a perfect 100 ranking, Freedom House acknowledged that “the Israeli media sector as a whole is vibrant and free to criticize government policy.”
HELP ISRAELIS BATTLE CORONA!
Donate to the Corona Emergency Relief Fund. Coronavirus has taken a huge toll on the people of Israel. The poor, elderly and ill are most vulnerable.
Israeli soldiers, security officers and medical care providers operate under great danger and risk to life.
Over 1 million Israelis are out of work. Many cannot make ends meet. We provide financial aid, food, medical supplies and more. Funds are distributed where needed most. The time to act is now!
United with Israel extends a special note of appreciation to the Genesis Prize for their generous support.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
