Knesset Speaker Yisrael Yeshayahu:

I hereby open the Knesset sitting. Tomorrow, the 15th of Shvat 1977, is the 28th birthday of the Knesset. In honor of this day we have planted trees around the Knesset, as we do every year.

This date, the birthday of Israeli parliamentarism in the State of Israel, soon after its establishment, is one of the significant landmarks in the process of our revival. The essence of our state was set at its starting point in a general consensus, as a clear democratic-parliamentary state. The supporters of democracy and parliamentarism around the world look at Israel with great admiration as an island of a parliamentary democracy, within a grand space in which democracy and parliamentarism are not yet stable or do not exist, even while Israel is in a state of continuous war with its neighbors along with many other difficulties. And to us, it seems as if 28 years of democratic parliamentary rule is obvious, a matter of routine. Despite it all, it must be noted and passed onto the younger generation that democracy and parliamentarism are in need of constant grooming, alert supervision and supreme maintenance. It is clear that they must not be shielded from criticism, as it is one of the components of democracy and parliamentarism.

Here we are, before the end of the term of the Eighth Knesset and preparing towards the election of the Ninth Knesset. This is a time that naturally stimulates the public’s attention. The public does not only want to understand the essence and meaning of what it is taking part in, but it also wants to be heard and to raise criticism towards the Knesset and its members, as well as to clarify its stands on issues that are controversial among the parties. Some may criticize the Knesset for bills it legislated, decisions it adopted, and issues that it did not succeed in legislating; and others will criticize the Members of the Knesset for their words or their mishaps. The challenge must be accepted and fair, bold answers should be given: No cover-up and no adding unjustified accusations; and a faction or Knesset member should not dismiss themselves from criticism and point it at their fellow-men. We are all together, present and future Members of the Knesset, the political community and the media, in being obliged to honor the Knesset, to strengthen the trust in it as the people’s representative, and to fortify its authority as the sole house of legislators. This fortification should dismiss all authority over this house, other than that of the electing public, and that its respect and authority remain the source of the executive and judicial branches’ authority and ability for action. It is the solid back-rest for their existence, meaning and essence of our democratic lives.

The Knesset’s birthday is a good day for Israel, whether we hold festivities or cut them short due to economic and social circumstances. Last year we held several significant events, including a meeting between the Knesset and the media and a plenum sitting on the Knesset’s manners. We would have done the same this year, but it seemed impossible due to the short time we have on our side and the great work that awaits us in passing bills and debating the issues on our agenda.

In relation to this matter, I hereby ask and request that the ministers, committee chairpersons and members, and the plenum itself, that in the short time we have for the Eighth Knesset, we speed up on the legislation and discussion that we have started, including motions for the agenda and parliamentary questions.

The Knesset is a gem in the crown of the State of Israel and a “litmus test” of its actions and way of life. Let us bless the Knesset and be blessed by it. Let us thank the Knesset employees for their devotion in providing services to the Knesset, its members and factions, and may you all be blessed.