Democratic Values and Education for Democracy in the State of Israel

Abstract

Throughout the existence of the State of Israel, democracy has been perceived by both leaders and citizens as one of the fundamental values making up the moral foundation for the state's existence. Yet, repeated infringements against essential democratic values and foundations have made evident that Israeli democracy faces a momentous test. In addition, various studies of public attitudes toward democracy have found that in many cases, the basis of support for democracy in general, as well as for the fundamental values of democracy, are not at all stable. The central argument of this article is that in examining attitudes of early leaders of the state toward democracy, we can identify the roots of the same problems and deficiencies evident in the culture of Israeli democracy today. Furthermore, in our view the attitudes of the state's founders, as well as the attitudes and conduct of the leaders after them, have substantially contributed to the lack of consistent emphasis on education for democracy by the Israeli education system. Consequently, over the years a significant gap has developed between Israelis' perceptions of their country as a democratic state and the actual un-democratic conduct of the state and its citizens. In light of the above, the first part of this article reviews the state of education for democracy in Israel over the years, emphasizing the attitudes of leaders and decision-makers in these areas in different periods. The second part presents a review of the problems and deficiencies with which Israeli democracy struggles today. Following this is an examination of public attitudes toward democracy and democratic values, emphasizing the attitudes of Israeli youth in these areas. In conclusion, we find a relationship between the general long-term failure of education for democracy and the condition of Israeli democracy today. Likewise, we offer a number of suggestions and ideas for correction and improvement in this area of education for democracy in the State of Israel.