Statement from Commanders for Israel’s Security (CIS)
As Commanders for Israel’s Security (CIS), a movement of over 550 retired senior officials from Israel’s defense, security and diplomatic services, our lifelong mission has been to secure the future of Israel as the strong, democratic home of the Jewish people. It is our professional judgement that Israel’s security will be guaranteed not only by our military strength – essential though it certainly is, but by diplomatic agreements and strategic alliances as well. We believe that world Jewry and Israel are each other’s most essential indeed existential – ally. Recent events have led to passionate and sometimes painful debates within Jewish communities worldwide, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza. Many in the diaspora have voiced concerns publicly. Consequently, some have faced harsh criticism. Accused of weakening Israel or betraying their connection to the Jewish state, they are told that those who live abroad or do not serve in the IDF must keep silent. We categorically reject the notion that Jews in the diaspora must remain silent on matters concerning Israel. Israel was founded as the homeland of the entire Jewish people, and its Declaration of Independence recognizes the essential role of diaspora Jewry in shaping our collective destiny. Whereas Israeli decisions will be made exclusively by Israelis who live here, the views of our partners in this historic Jewish joint venture should inform those decisions.
To those who fear that public criticism undermines Israel, we say that open, honest dialogue only reinforces our democracy and our security. As we learned repeatedly, in security, suppressing criticism or demanding silence is outright dangerous. In interJewish dialogue, it risks eroding the very foundations upon which Israel was built. Diversity of Informed Diaspora Voices Strengthens our Security PAGE. 2 Commanders for Israel’s Security Having dedicated our lives to Israel’s security, we affirm that the engagement of diaspora Jewry-whether in support or in critique-strengthens, rather than weakens, the State of Israel. Let us embrace the diversity of our people and reaffirm our collective commitment to a secure, democratic, and just Israel, the homeland of the Jewish people, for generations to come. CIS is as eager to inform the Jewish debate across communities, as to be informed by it.
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Matan Vilnai Chair CIS
