העורך Editor

We’ve written about this before.

Now here’s a great, short introduction to the topic at Rationalist Judaism, here.

The introduction to Rafi Farber’s page on Zehut:

 I am an Austrian School libertarian economist, securities analyst, and financial journalist, originally from Miami. I now live in the Golan with my family, but beforehand I was Moshe Feiglin’s next door neighbor in Karnei Shomron for 7 years. Every month we would ride together to Har Habayit and debate economics and monetary policy, my personal area of expertise. He and I agree on almost everything else. 

You have a right to know exactly what I will do as a Knesset Member in every single case even before I am in office God willing, and it is simply this. I will vote against every bill that grows the size or power of the Israeli government over Am Yisrael. I will also vote for every bill that shrinks the size or power of government over us. If I am unsure in any particular circumstance, I will consult with Moshe for his opinion, as well as yours as Zehut International members, and share my concerns with you before I vote. The one singular exception to this rule of mine will be if Israel is under threat, in which case I will obviously vote to mobilize Tzahal. 

If Zehut is going to lead Israel, we cannot afford to approach the Knesset as simply technicians trying to tweak this or that aspect of government function, or improve this or that government program. Government cannot be improved on a long term basis. It must simply be shrunk, programs and regulations eliminated and privatized. Trying to improve government as a technocrat is how you get embroiled and poisoned by the game of politics and lose yourself in a web of wheeling and dealing. 

Once Am Yisrael sees that we are serious about liberty in Israel and that we do not compromise on our principles, we will become the leadership party that Moshe Feiglin designed us to be. Only by doing that will Moshe become Prime Minister. Then we can get the real big things done that we all want, like ending Oslo and paying the Arabs to leave voluntarily. 

You should know as a voter that I personally do not accept any money from the government and therefore the salary I get as an MK will be donated back to Zehut every month, as I have always done with any cash subsidy the State of Israel has ever given me since 2012. (Just ask Shmuel Sackett.)

This is my word and I will not break it. If this is what you want to see in the Knesset, then vote for me. 

If you have any issue-specific questions, please email me at rafi@tollfinancialgroup.com. For a deeper look into my (anti)political thought, please see this post at Times of Israel.

Personal Goals and Policies

I am an Austrian School economist and a principled libertarian. I am not the “safe choice” in these primaries, but I am the best choice because I will bring Zehut the most votes. I’m not speaking narrowly about our first Knesset term but more importantly for our second and third. Here’s exactly what I mean.

To make Moshe Feiglin Prime Minister we must all act like leaders. We must make an impression and we must do it quickly to ensure that we will become Israel’s biggest party.

That said, there are two possible approaches for Zehut’s first Knesset term. First, we can compromise principles for the sake of passing some minor part of the Zehut platform. If we succeed, you will then get a proud email about it minus the fact that government had to be expanded. Israelis will see right through this and we won’t return to the Knesset with the same strength, or at all, G-d forbid.

Or, we can show Am Yisrael who we really are by never compromising principles. We set the tone. We lead.

Israelis are not looking for another faction that can play politics and bring home the bacon to its constituents. They are craving a principled group that stands out. We are that party, and I will make sure we remain that party. Take that path, and Moshe Feiglin will lead the whole country.

Don’t get me wrong though! Compromise itself is fine as long as it is only over degree, but never principle. Basic example: If I want a 10% tax cut but can only get 5%, I’ll take 5%.  More complex example: If Zehut can end the IDF draft but other factions insist on more spending, as long as it is absolutely clear that savings from ending the draft outweighs any new spending increases, I’m for it, but it has to be obvious. If I am in any way unsure, I will consult with Zehut International members first for input.

I personally will never vote for any bill that I believe expands government on net, no matter who pressures me. Neither will I accept a shekel in salary from the State. Honesty and consistency are the core of my own Jewish identity, and it is Jewish identity that Israel is yearning for.

My top 3 specific legislative goals:

1. To break the Bank of Israel’s monopoly on the Israeli money supply by allowing taxpayers to pay taxes in any currency they choose. This makes any currency legal tender de facto, and strikes at the core of government corruption by introducing competition to the shekel. Read more about this here.

2. To allow terminally ill patients to come to Israel to participate in clinical trials to save their lives, with no restrictions save basic consent. Patients are now prevented from trying any drug they choose by the FDA. I want to help save these people and by doing so be a light unto the nations.

3. To end the IDF draft so those who do not want to serve can get a job and support those who do want to serve, and stop wasting taxpayer money. Read more about this here.

Other Zehut MKs will lead efforts on other issues. I, of course, agree with Zehut’s stance on Arabs, terrorism, and the rest. The above 3 are simply the issues that I will personally focus on.

Find his featured Zehut articles at the same link.

The idea of Internet Accountability is simple: A person will certainly not view inappropriate material on the internet if others could see what they have viewed. WebChaver (using the acclaimed Covenant Eyes software) will send an easy-to-read report of your internet activity to a Chaver of your choice; a spouse, parent, or friend, who can view the report and ensure your browsing integrity.

This concept is not new. Our Sages tell us that a shomer (guardian) that has the ability to check up on someone is an effective safeguard against sin. Many Halachic authorities have declared the Internet to be no different than being alone with a forbidden woman (yichud). The most effective way to counter this is by appointing a shomer – someone that can “check up” on your activity and ensure the internet is being used only for the good.

From their website.

Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovitz is a big fan. He adds one should also have some form of filter (WebChaver offers an optional one, too).

Check it out.

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Thank the Boss!