Reflections on Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State

תקציר

The present and future trends of the character of the state of Israel is now in one of the most significant crossroads in the history of the country. The issue is how Israel will develop, given the substantial increase of the religious parties. Will it be a halakhic state (i.e., a state rules solely by religious law, such as those Muslim countries adhering to Sha’aria Law)? In this essay, I wish to address myself to the proposed strategy to insure that Israel remains democratic and yet respectful of its Jewish culture and tradition. I suggest that this can be done by adopting an ideology that Israel is Zionist, democratic and traditional. I also wish to offer an analysis of the relative contribution of each of the branches of the government to the protection of civil right in matters of religion and conscience.