Future Prospects of Israeli Society

Extract

[...] That is why, in the future, a reform of this ethnic democracy is essential to ensure its maintenance within this young Israeli society. Its objective would be to ensure better living conditions for an ethnic minority under the governance of an ethnic majority despite the existence of a separation between the different nationalities. Such a democracy would allow for a more peaceful coexistence between the Jewish majority and the Arab minority and a positive future for the multicultural aspect of this young society. [...]

[...] We will therefore consecutively outline the future prospects of Israeli society on the democratic and cultural levels before addressing the aspirations of the various formations that constitute it. I. Future Prospects of Israel, as a Jewish Democratic State In the first place, Israel is a Jewish and democratic state. These two elements seem a priori incompatible, but they have been the basic principle of the State of Israel since its proclamation in 1948. The Israeli democracy has above all an ethnic character. Citizenship is therefore based on religion, origin, and provenance, unlike Western countries, which are based on a shared culture and common life. [...]

[...] Democracy could become the democracy of the Israeli people instead of the ethnic democracy of the majority Jewish Israeli. Conclusion In conclusion, despite the social tensions generated by the 'Melting Pot' policy practiced initially by the Zionists being deeply ingrained in Israeli society, the future prospects of this young society, particularly concerning its democracy and multiculturalism, remain encouraging, but only if it evolves while taking into account social diversity. In fact, despite a fragile climate weakened by tensions and conflicts, the policy of this young country has evolved and continues to progress in its sociocultural development, while still retaining a nationalist aspect that could constitute an obstacle to the egalitarian aspirations of each individual. [...]

[...] These efforts are particularly felt in the field of audiovisual culture. The effects of the rapprochement between the various populations and more particularly between Jewish culture and Arab culture are beginning to be felt. On both sides, there is also a valorization of the family, common interests in leisure activities as well as in culture. For example, the Israeli radio and television authority, illustrates this cultural richness in the diversity of its programs as well as through musical broadcasts including many different musical styles. [...]

[...] Populations were forced to accept a way of life and to disregard their past traditions. Moreover, depending on their origin, immigrants were treated with or without indifference. This policy of injustice is at the origin of protests from the 1960s onwards. The immigrants who followed in the 1970s were better integrated with the removal of the obligations experienced by previous immigrants, but still treated according to their origin, like the Israelis of Ethiopian origin who are also today determined to achieve total integration. [...]