Why are we allowed to talk about Israel and against Israel while we’re in Israel without getting killed or taken to jail? The privilege of living in a democracy

As Westerners coming from democratic states, we are very well aware of our privileges and the contradictions that exist within our own countries.

The inherent contradiction of democracy is that democracy can be thought of as the "power of the people," despite the fact that democratic countries like America are guilty of many human rights violations. At the same time, though, we are proud to be part of democratic countries because we’re allowed to speak against them, and we’re allowed to critique our countries.

The privilege that lies within democracy coincides with the fact that most of us are aware that we can say whatever we want and however we want, and we take this right for granted, without actually realizing the extreme fortune we have in being able to express our opinions in any circumstance without incurring any punishment. It’s a privilege that many people in other countries do not have, and it’s something we often remind ourselves to appreciate. In fact, it’s this freedom - this fundamental right to express myself - that defines much of the democracies we live in.

The same can be said about Israel, a country that, like America, has its share of flaws, but also offers a crucial freedom: the freedom to criticize its government and its policies without fear of retribution. Whether you're Israeli, a tourist, or an immigrant, you can (mostly) speak out against Israel without worrying about being thrown in jail or killed. In many parts of the world, this is not the case. In Israel, the ability to engage in free speech, even when it’s controversial or uncomfortable, is one of the core privileges of living in a democratic society.

Protest against the government held in Tel Aviv, 2024.

The freedom to criticize

Criticism of a government is a cornerstone of democracy. In Israel, citizens have the right to freely discuss, debate, and even denounce the actions of their leaders. This is an essential aspect of any functioning democracy. Even when tensions are high, or when there’s active military conflict, Israelis have the ability to express their opinions - whether they support or oppose the government.

While many people around the world criticize Israel for its actions, both within the country and internationally, the fact that these criticisms can be voiced without fear of violent repercussions is something that people in non-democratic nations may never experience. In places where freedom of expression is stifled, those who dare to speak out against the government can face imprisonment, torture, or worse. Israel, despite its many challenges and controversies, is a democracy that offers this fundamental right.

However, Israel operates under a system of military censorship, which is an important safeguard to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. This is particularly relevant in times of war, where national security is paramount, but even in those cases, the underlying principle of freedom of speech remains intact.

The role of military censorship: a delicate balance

Israel’s military censorship system is a unique feature of its democratic structure. In times of armed conflict, journalists and media outlets must adhere to guidelines set by the military. While freedom of speech is protected, the government imposes certain restrictions on the media, particularly when it comes to publishing information that could jeopardize national security or harm individuals.

For example, the Israeli Press Council, which is responsible for upholding the ethical standards of journalism, outlines rules that govern the publication of sensitive material. One of the most important principles is that journalists should not publish graphic images of injured or deceased individuals, and they must respect the dignity and privacy of victims of armed conflict. These measures are designed to prevent unnecessary harm to individuals and to ensure that the media does not sensationalize or exploit tragic events.Additionally, journalists are required to submit certain pieces of information to military censorship for approval before publication. This ensures that sensitive data that could jeopardize military operations or put lives at risk does not get out. But this system of censorship is not about suppressing free speech - it’s about balancing the right to free expression with the need to protect the public and the security of the state.

The full guidelines of the Israeli Press Council can be found at the following link: https://www.presscouncils.eu/codes/28_il/

Living in a democracy

Living in a democracy, especially one with a free press and the freedom to express dissent, is a privilege that not everyone in the world enjoys.

In a democracy like Israel, the truth is always at the center of media discourse. While certain information may be restricted for security reasons, the broader purpose of journalism remains to inform the public with accurate and truthful reporting. In many countries, the media is controlled by the government, and information is manipulated or withheld to suit the interests of the ruling party. In Israel, despite the challenges posed by censorship, journalists still have the ability to report freely and to engage in robust public debate.

While no democracy is perfect - Israel, like any other country, has its own challenges and shortcomings - the fact that people can openly criticize the government, express dissent, and demand change is something that should not be taken for granted.