Roundtable on the Basic Law: Israel – The Nation State of the Jewish People

The Israel Democracy Institute
4 Pinsker Street, Jerusalem

A bill entitled "Basic Law: Israel - The Nation State of the Jewish People" is currently being considered by the Knesset. Submitted by MK Avi Dichter, this bill raises difficult questions concerning the definition of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and is likely to undermine the delicate balance between the Jewish and the democratic character of the state. On Sunday, November 20, 2011, IDI convened the George Shultz Roundtable Forum to explore the meanings and implications of this proposed law, which follows a wave of legislation and private bills that are potentially discriminatory and liable to harm the democratic character of the State of Israel.

On this occasion, MK Avi Dichter introduced the revised version of his bill to the Forum. This was followed by a lively debate among Knesset Members, leading academicians, and other policy-shapers. 

This event was broadcast live on the IDI website. Click on the video in the margin of this page to view it (Hebrew).