Nov 01, 2023
The legislation promoted by the current government to redesign and drastically change the relationship between the branches of government in Israel has resulted in significant protest and opposition. Join Masua Sagiv for a discussion of how the existing power sharing relationship and the struggle over its change reflect some of the core questions Israel is facing today: what kind of democracy is possible for a Jewish state? Who are Israel’s majority and minority communities, and what could the relationship be among these different groups?
We the People: Israel’s Constitutional Moment
While lacking a formal constitution, Israel relies on Basic Laws that both function as a living constitution and are designed to form an accepted constitution in the future. Foundational to every constitution are three pillars: national identity, human rights, and a balanced distribution of power among governmental branches. In this 3-part series, Israeli legal scholar Masua Sagiv integrates legal, social, and cultural sources to illuminate these three aspects within Israel and the explosive debates underlying this moment in Israel. She will address the dynamics of majority-minority relationships, the ongoing discourse around liberal Zionism, and the significance of Israel as a Jewish democratic state. Finally, she will consider whether there is a narrative that can guide the future constitution and national trajectory of Israel.
Other sessions in this series:
This program is part of Ideas for Today, curated courses by Hartman Institute scholars on the big Jewish ideas we need to think better and do better.
You care about Israel, peoplehood, and vibrant, ethical Jewish communities. We do too.
Join our email list for more Hartman ideas
