Conference: Is There a Need for a Basic Law Defining Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State?

Maiersdorf Faculty Club The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

In cooperation with The Hebrew University Faculty of Law 

Israel's definition as a "Jewish and democratic state" is found in the Basic Laws of 1992. This concept, which is a fundamental principle of Israeli law, needs further examination and clarification.

The Knesset is currently debating Basic Law: Israel as the Nation State of the Jewish People, as well as a bill that would give Israel's Declaration of Independence the status of a Basic Law. Is there a need for such constitutional anchors? If so, what form should they take? What type of provisions should be included? On March 5, 2014, the Israel Democracy Institute and the Hebrew University Faculty of Law convened a conference in order to discuss these issues, which arise from the desire to create additional constitutional foundations for Israel's definition as a Jewish and democratic state.

This event was conducted in partnership with
The David Berg Foundation

3:30 pm Opening Remarks

  • Prof. Yuval Shany, Dean, Faculty of  Law, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Prof. Mordechai Kremnitzer, Vice President of Research, The Israel Democracy Institute; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

 

3:40–5:00 pm

Session I: A Jewish and Democratic State: Equality and Collective Rights

Chair: Dr. Margit Cohn, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

  • Dr. Aviad Bakshi, Kohelet Policy Forum
  • Adv. Hassan Jabareen, Adalah- The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel
  • Prof. Daniel Statman, The Israel Democracy Institute; University of Haifa

 

5:15–6:45 pm

Session Two: Religion and State in a Jewish and Democratic State

Chair: Prof. Barak Medina, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

  • Prof. Moshe Halbertal, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and New York University
  • Rabbi Gilad Kariv, The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism
  • Prof. Frances Raday, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The College of Management Academic Studies
  • Dr. Asher Cohen, Bar-Ilan University

 

7:00–8:30 pm

Concluding Session: Establishing the Basic Law: Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State

Chair: Prof. Mordechai Kremnitzer, Vice President of Research, The Israel Democracy Institute; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

  • Dr. Naomi Zussman, Molad: The Center for the Renewal of Israeli Democracy
  • Dr. Arye Carmon, President, The Israel Democracy Institute
  • Prof. Yedidia Z. Stern, Vice President of Research, The Israel Democracy Institute.