PETITION: Renew Arutz 7 Broadcasts

Arutz Sheva ^ | 26 October 2003

[anotherview]

Background:

At 1 PM on Monday, October 20, the Jerusalem Magistrates Court silenced Arutz Sheva Israel Radio by declaring that its broadcasts violate legal technicalities. Since that time, numerous listeners of the station and friends of democracy have expressed their support through faxes to government offices, phone calls, signing of various petitions and donations to Arutz Sheva. The management of Arutz Sheva is greatly encouraged by the outpouring of support. As part of the struggle, we are providing below a briefly-worded petition to submit to government offices, members of Knesset, and other relevant agencies calling on the government to pass a law which would establish true pluralism on Israel´s airwaves. We have worded the petition in a way that even Arutz Sheva´s political adversaries can enthusiastically add their names.

Text of Petition

We the undersigned view Arutz Sheva Israel Radio an important voice which has proven its popularity and appeal to a large segment of the Israeli population. The recent legal proceedings which silenced this mouthpiece of the "national camp" constitute a threat to the very democratic values that the judicial system purports to uphold. In order to protect Israeli democracy, we call upon the government to expedite the passing of legislation which will enable Arutz Sheva and other private groups/entrepreneurs to operate licensed national radio stations.

[Your name and place of residence will appear on the petition only after an Arutz Sheva staff member approves the submission.]

NOTE: Click on the image to go to the petition page

[anotherview]

Arutz Sheva (literally "Channel 7" was a right wing, nationalist pirate radio station operating off shore which was shut down by the Israeli government last week. While I, to much derision on Free Republic, supported that action as correct, I also strongly support this petition. What Arutz Sheva is asking for is new legislation to allow private radio stations with a diversity of views to broadcast in Israel.

I am not a National Union/Yisrael Beitanu or United Torah Judaism supporter and I often disagreed with Arutz Sheva's political viewpoint. I still feel that the view needs to be heard. I cannot support illegal pirate radio and chaos on the airwaves. I strongly support free speech and a diverse media in Israel much as is enjoyed in the United States.

I encourage all Freepers who are interested in Israeli democracy and freedom to support and sign this petition.