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
- The diversity of opinions and ideologies found in Israel’s political parties are reflective of the different viewpoints that always existed within Zionism.
- Israeli governments typically require the formation of a coalition of different political parties in order to rule.
- 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
- How can the Knesset teach us about the diversity of communities and ideologies found in Israeli society?
- Should Israel prioritize being a Jewish state or a state of all its citizens?
- How might Israel’s electoral system operate in a more efficient way?
video Transcript
