This Elul, Israel's government should ask forgiveness from the citizens it has wronged – opinion

As the Hebrew month of Elul begins, an opinion piece in The Jerusalem Post argues that it is a crucial time for Israel's government to seek forgiveness from its citizens for past wrongs. The author emphasizes that Elul, a month of introspection and preparation before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, is meant for "repair" and mending interpersonal relations through sincere apologies. The article calls on the government to acknowledge several key errors:

• Continuing a seemingly endless conflict in Gaza with an unattainable objective, leading to significant loss of life.
• Forging a coalition that has deeply divided the country and disenfranchised a large portion of the population.
• Empowering one community at the expense of others, creating a "state within a state" and endangering national security.
• Causing a drastic decline in global support and admiration for Israel.

The author cites the example of Maj.-Gen. (res.) Noam Tibon, who openly admitted errors and apologized to the author's family after their son fell in battle, demonstrating the power of honest admission. The article concludes that such apologies, while not replacing policy changes, are a vital "start" and an "affirmation of the others' worth," essential for uniting the nation.