New York City Mayor travel to Israel to end protest against Netanyahu
By Daily Tab24. Updated: 9:54 am. Aug 23, 2023.
New York City Mayor, Eric Adams traveled to Israel to help stem protests that have been raging for weeks against Netanyahu’s judiciary reform. While to travel to Israel is a norm for all the mayors of the city of United States, this visit came at a time the government of Israel is facing mass action against a proposed judicial reform.
New York City host the most popular Jewish settlement outside Israel and it is compulsory that all mayors visit Israel as part of recognizing the culture and root of the city. Adams met Benjamin Netanyahu as part of official visit to Israel. Every of the city’s mayor has the capacity to effect or influence proceedings in Israel.
Adams three days tour is a tough one as he has come under pressure to support the people of Israel and stay away from the government. Critics of Israel are also monitoring his movements and speech, to know if he had stood with the government or his acts reflect respect for international laws. Netanyahu’s far-right government has embraced only what gives Israel edge and not what international laws say.
Adams is aware of the implication of his official visit to Israel and knows it was not the best of time to travel to Israel. He acknowledges his trip came at a time his visit could be politicized or interpreted wrongly. Expectations are there and he knows, and he is also aware of the fact that he cannot please everybody at a time.
“I am aware that my trip comes at a pivotal moment for Israel” he said while reacting to his trip. He further sided with the people of Israel, but smartly acknowledged the efforts of Netanyahu’s far-right government in upholding democracy.
On the second day of his visit, Adams met the leaders of the protest against the government’s fire judicial reform. He spoke of his delight to speak with the protest leaders, while not disclosing the details of his meeting. Observers believe he reigned on the protesters to sheathe their swords to avoid giving enemies of Israel edge over the Middle East only democracy. While previously acknowledging that democracy is not easy and what the protesters are doing is what makes democracy beautiful.
“Had an honest conversation with two leaders in Israel’s protest movement this morning about numerous issues at play here” he posted on his verified X platform, formerly known as Twitter. “I appreciate the opportunity to hear their diverse perspective” he added.
The protesters are pushing to stand down a judicial reform that will give the government of Israel greater authority over the Supreme Court of the land and over appointment of judges. Pro-Israeli government argued that Israel is a country at war and the government must be trusted to defend the land. But critics of the government said the reform endangers democracy.
“The people of Israel will make the determination on how they want to move forward” Adams said to AP while speaking to the press on Tuesday. He refused to pinpoint on whose side he is standing, while diplomatically sidestepping the issue.
“I have lots of challenges in my city, and I would not want someone to come and interfere with how I am running things” he subtly said to deflects all attention on his role or influence in Israel.
