Inside Israel’s Knesset

Israeli democracy is anything but simple.

In the early days of establishment, the young Zionist leaders knew that building a consensus was crucial for building Israel. However, each representative debated over how to establish a governmental system. 

As many groups worked together to create democracy, the Knesset, Israel's parliament, was born. This diverse institution, while a bit chaotic, encourages members to be pragmatic and collaborate to support its people.

Big Ideas

1. The diversity of opinions and ideologies found in Israel’s political parties are reflective of the different viewpoints that always existed within Zionism. 
2. Israeli governments typically require the formation of a coalition of different political parties in order to rule.
3. An existing tension within Israeli politics is the balance between Israel being a Jewish state and a state of all of its citizens.

Essential Questions

1. How can the Knesset teach us about the diversity of communities and ideologies found in Israeli society?  
2. Should Israel prioritize being a Jewish state or a state of all its citizens?
3. How might Israel’s electoral system operate in a more efficient way?

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