TORONTO, Jan. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, millions of Israelis voted in the 19th Knesset elections. While early results indicate that Likud-Beiteinu has received the highest number of votes, it will likely be weeks before the composition of the governing coalition is announced.
David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:
"As Jewish Canadians, Election Day in Israel is a source of immense pride - a day on which Israel's highest values as a Jewish and democratic state are most keenly felt. In its 65 years, the modern state of Israel has never failed to uphold the ideals of democracy, and is one of only 23 countries in the world that has continuously maintained free elections since 1948.
"Despite Israel's remarkable political diversity, Israelis remain united by a desire to achieve peace - as confirmed by the fact that the vast majority of Israelis voted for parties that support the two-state solution. Unfortunately, there is a growing gap between Israelis and Palestinians, with repeated Israeli peace offers and painful land withdrawals being met with extremism and escalated violence.
"Peace must be built from the ground up. As Israel's next government is formed, the Palestinian leadership has an opportunity to re-energize the peace process by taking simple, concrete measures to narrow the peace gap - including through economic growth, education for peace, and an end to violence."
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada.
SOURCE: Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
Steve McDonald
Associate Director, Communications
416-953-4417
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