Democratic Israel Party (Ratz - Mapam)

Party Leader: Yossi Sarid

Security/Foreign Affairs:

* Israel's dream of peace is possible today and has been, in part, met with peace with Jordan and the signing of the Oslo Accord . The only way to guarantee peace is through the creation of a Palestinian State

* Jewish settlement in the territories and the Golan Heights is presently the greatest obstacle to both the final settlement and interim agreements. Continued settlements endanger the current peace negotiations.Stop the Occupation!!

* Jerusalem, Israel's capital, will never again be divided. Its special national and religious characteristics for all religions and people will be taken into consideration in determining its final status. Social and Economic Policy:

*Progress towards peace and compromise with our neighbors is essential to Israel's economic development.

*Our goal is to achieve a modern economy which combines efficiency and development with social sensitivity and balance.

*We must supply employment opportunities, low-cost housing and an adequate absorption basket to the new immigrants.

Civil and Human Rights:
* All are equal before the law - no person shall be discriminated against because of origin, religion, sex, political outlook or sexual preference.

* The right of equal opportunity for all of Israel's citizens is aprecondition for an organized and united society. Educational integration serves this purpose.

* Israel is the state of all its citizens, Jews and Arabs alike, and must guarantee them all equal rights and opportunities in all spheres of life.

* Arab citizens of Israel are part of the Arab-Palestinian people from the viewpoint of language, culture and heritage and have the right to express this bond, which does not contradict their Israeli citizenship.

* Women are a sovereign legal entity in all matters concerning their bodies, property, income and activities, and full and equal partners in family planning, raising and educating their children. Women must be guaranteed equality in all spheres of life.

Religion and State:
* Jewish law and tradition are the cornerstones of our national culture,but they must not be a compulsory norm in an open and democratic society.

* Israel is a country of law and not of halacha.

* Every Jew has the right to immigrate to Israel, without any religious limitation. Given the assassination of Rabin?''? Meretz would encourage the restriction of Jews involved in terrorist activities or illegal groups to emigrate to Israel.

* All religious groups, including the various streams of Judaism, must have equal status.

* There must be freedom to choose between religious and civil marriage and every person shall be guaranteed the right to be buried according to their beliefs and understanding.

* All public services must be provided on Shabbat and holidays according to need; this includes public transportation and cultural activity.

* Yeshiva students will be drafted into the IDF.

Electoral Strategy
* You will come into coalition with Labor on the condition that it does not give into the demands of the religious.

Please note that this information was written before many of the official manifestoes for the election was produced. and reflects present party policy.


labour