At Israel’s founding in 1948, its founders envisioned a country defined by humanist values and adherence to international law. Its Declaration of Independence asserted that the state will “ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race, or sex.” But that ideal has always been challenged by the need to protect its Jewish identity, which has resulted in discrimination against its Arab minority as well as the oppression built into maintaining the occupied territories.
Over the decades, this inherent contradiction has surfaced again and again, creating political upheavals without ever resolving the contradiction. Now, the war in Gaza and the continuing attacks on its judicial system have brought Israel to a breaking point.
This talk will explore Israel’s trajectory toward increasing illiberalism and potential fragmentation that threatens its foundational humanist values as well as offer reforms that could potentially lead to a healing of its divisions.
Dr. Ilai Saltzman is an Associate Research Professor of Israel Studies, and the Director of the Gildenhorn Institute for Israel Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. His scholarship and teaching are focused on international security, Israeli foreign and security policy, US foreign policy, and political psychology. He has written numerous scholarly articles and book chapters, and commentaries in the Los Angeles Times, Ha’aretz, The Jerusalem Post, and other prominent outlets.
This program will be recorded but not livestreamed. A reception will follow.