The Centuries-Old Jewish Roots of Israeli Democracy
While surrounding societies were ruled by sultans, kings, and emperors, Jews had representatives and elections.
June 28, 2021
While surrounding societies were ruled by sultans, kings, and emperors, Jews had representatives and elections.
One oft-heard refrain is that there is a tension between Israel’s identity as a Jewish state and its identity as a democratic one. Taking a long view of Jewish history, Shlomo Avineri argues that Israel is a thriving democracy because it is Jewish:
While surrounding societies were ruled by sultans, kings, and emperors, Jews had representatives and elections.
A cleric with a proven capacity to repress and liquidate those willing to challenge the theocracy.
A change in focus rather than a change in views.
Now in English.
David Gans and the great astronomers.
One oft-heard refrain is that there is a tension between Israel’s identity as a Jewish state and its identity as a democratic one. Taking a long view of Jewish history, Shlomo Avineri argues that Israel is a thriving democracy because it is Jewish:
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