The Democracy Pavilion

April 9, 2018--- (Left to right) Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute, Sean Taube of Taube Philanthropies, Amir Elstein, IDI Board of Directors, MK Yuli Edelstein, Speaker of the Knesset and Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality inaugurated the Democracy Pavilion and signed the Declaration of Independence.

The Democracy Pavilion is a unique multi-media experience, in full 360 degree technology, showcasing the values embedded in Israel’s Declaration of Independence and the historic highlights of 70 years of independence. This project was made possible with a lead gift by Taube Philanthropies, and through a partnership between the IDI and the municipality of Tel-Aviv-Yafo. Located at 1 Rothschild Plaza, Tel-Aviv, the Democracy Pavilion will be open to the public, free of charge, from Independence Day through the end of the year. To learn more about the events covered in the Pavilion, and to sign on to the Declaration of independence http://70y.idi.org.il/en.

Speaker of the Knesset, MK Yuli Edelstein was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, reaffirming his commitment to its values, immediately after viewing the unique multi-media presentation. IDI and the City of Tel Aviv expect that hundreds of thousands will visit the Pavilion in the coming monthes and join the Speaker in signing the Declaration of Independence.

MK Edelstein: “As the Speaker of the Knesset, I see how, as time goes by, the fault lines in Israeli society deepen, exacerbating the tensions between Jewish and democratic concepts, intensifying the differences between liberals and conservatives and distancing Israel from the rest of the world. It's true that Israel’s independence was achieved through leaps and bounds, but we still face many obstacles. The Declaration of Independence reminds us that our past, present and future cannot be separated. It also reminds us that we have many common goals, which are more important than a common way of reaching these goals. That is the key to the mutual values found in the Declaration of Independence. Today, with the help of the Democracy Pavilion, we wish to return to the spirit of “togetherness”, which was captured on this Tel Aviv Boulevard 70 years ago. It is up to us to make sure that this happens”.

Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality: "The establishment of the Democracy Pavilion is an impressive demonstration of Israeli democracy - located in the first modern Jewish city, which was dedicated to democracy from the very beginning. Only in a democratic society can freedom and tolerance co-exist. This is what allows the opposing sectors of Israeli society to co-exist – and together create Tel-Aviv’s multi-cultural mosaic. It is here that artists are free to express themselves without fear. Democracy is a way of life and the Democracy Pavilion represents the connection between the city and its democratic values”.

Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute: "The basic values of the Declaration of Independence are at the heart of national consensus and must be preserved - this is the motivation behind the Democracy Pavilion. This initiative, open to the general public, aims to strengthen shared values....the Declaration of Independence is one of the fundamental elements that shape Israeli identity, and which, despite the internal and external threats, enables all citizens of Israel to live together and feel optimistic about the future of the state. Israeli democracy is a miracle, which has thrived for 70 years, notwithstanding wars, terror and internal struggles. It must be defended and not taken for granted, to ensure that Israel will continue to exist as a Jewish and Democratic State”.

Sean Taube of Taube Philanthropies: “Israelis have overcome tremendous odds, made the desert bloom, absorbed millions of immigrants, created a thriving first-world economy, and founded a flourishing democracy in a sea of authoritarian hostility. As was the goal of the City of Tel Aviv and IDI, we believe the Democracy Pavilion, a symbol of cultural pride will be a magnet for visitors from both Israel and globally”.

About the Pavilion

On Israel’s 70th anniversary, May 18, 2018, IDI, in partnership with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality will open to the public the Democracy Pavilion - a unique multi-media experience, in full 360 degree technology, showcasing the values embedded in Israel’s Declaration of Independence. Visitors will be invited to sign the Declaration of Independence, reaffirming their commitment to its values. The structure, a large geodesic dome at the heart of 1 Rothschild Plaza, conveys the values of equality and freedom and highlights the pluralism and diversity that characterize Israel’s democracy. Quotes from the Declaration of Independence are embedded on the arches surrounding the Pavilion.

About Taube Philanthropies: For more than 30 years, Taube Philanthropies has been a leader in supporting diverse educational, research, cultural, community, and youth organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Poland, and Israel. Founded by businessman and philanthropist Tad Taube in 1981, and now led by Tad and his wife Dianne Taube, the organization works to ensure that citizens have the freedom and opportunity for advancement of their goals and dreams. Taube Philanthropies makes this a reality by issuing grants through its two foundations, the Taube Family Foundation and the Taube Foundation for Jewish Life & Culture. For more information, visit www.taubephilanthropies.org.