The New Israel Fund and its family of organizations will be fighting against the proposed loyalty oath together. Please join us today and let Prime Minister Netanyahu know that Israel’s status as a liberal democracy is again at risk. Urge him to withdraw support for the Citizenship Act Amendment now. There is no time to lose. 

What you need to know:

• Prime Minister Netanyahu is supporting an amendment to the Citizenship Act, mandating that all aspiring citizens be required to pledge loyalty to a “Jewish, democratic state”. 
• NO democracy requires a loyalty oath based on religious identity.  NO multicultural society can survive by insisting that ethnic minorities pledge fealty, not to the state in which they live, but to the majority culture.
• After the initial vote on Sunday (in which approval of the bill seems likely), the debate will then continue in the Knesset's legislative committee and finally go to a full Knesset vote.
• Prior attempts to pass similar legislation have been highly controversial, especially for Israeli Arabs, who make up approximately 20% of Israel’s population.

“The [loyalty oath] proposal would harm relations with Israel's Arabs and damage the country's international reputation.” – Dan Meridor

“This is an infuriating, irresponsible decision which will only fuel the fires of de-legitimization against Israel worldwide." – Avishai Braverman

“….insulting, harmful, and is not enough to cement Israel's status as a Jewish democratic state…will cause more harm than good, and stems from the need to please radical coalitional elements." – Ze’ev Bielski