Democracy In Israel And The Orthodox Jews example essay topic

Religion and Politics in Israel Israel is confronted with the dilemma of how to exist as a pluralistic, and democratic state and at the same time retain its Jewish character. There seem to be a lot of back and forth bickering between the secular Jews and the ultra-orthodox or more conservative Jews as to how the law and religion shall meet or in fact be separate. One of the first things to look into should be the law of Israel that is outlined in the ministry of foreign affairs web site for Israel. It is actually underlined that there is and must be a freedom of religion and worship and even a list of the different recognized religions of Israel. The following religions are recognized by the state of Israel: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Druze, and Baha'I, within the Christian religion the following denominations are recognized: Greek Orthodox, Greek Catholic, Latin (Roman Catholic), Armenian Orthodox, Armenian Catholic, Maronite, Syrian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Chald aic (Catholic) and Evangelical Episcopal (Anglican). As one can clearly see Israel is a diverse religious holy land and there is an abundance of different religions along with different sects.

It seems to be intrinsic that the state of Israel then accommodate and allow freely the worship of ones own religion. There is no such thing as a religious police, and one is free to dress how one feels appropriate. The theocratic state is nowhere near the type of strict religious state of for example Iran or Saudi Arabia. However religion actually does play its part in Israel. For example the populations religious needs are supplied by authorities established by law (religious councils). Budgets are allocated for religious purposes, and there is a minister of the Cabinet responsible for religious affairs.

The religions involvement in the states matters is expressed, for example in the fact that Kosher food is by law provided to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), and the government facilities as well. Special orders were also set for the IDF by the religious council as to the mission and duties for an IDF soldier. There are also other religious laws that have been incorporated into Israeli law, for example the laws limiting the raising of swine, or the laws even forbidding the public showing of leaven (ha metz) in Passover. Another issue that has come to the forefront many a time is the issue of shopping malls and anything being open during Sabbath, which is the day of rest from sunset on Friday evenings until sunset Saturday night. Life virtually grounds to a halt, from traffic, to shopping to street entertainers. Many more secular Israeli's view this as anti democratic and actually more discriminatory to Jews more than other religions, this because of the fact that Jews may be fined for working on Sabbath yet non Jews can work and do as they please.

The more secularized Jews may chose in fact that for them rest can be taken in a leisurely stroll through a mall and buying a few pair of jeans, yet this seems to be controlled to a degree by the law. In fact as a result of Orthodox pressures, laws were enacted shortly after the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 allowing work on the Sabbath at a limited number of factories and hospitals, military bases and power installations, most of which provide essential 'lifesaving's ervices. At the same time, while public Sabbath observance has long given Israeli life a special rhythm and character -- distinct from countries such as the United States where many businesses and services operate seven days a week -- secular Jews have long resisted Sabbath limitations on personal freedom and mobility. Sabbath laws that were written in the 1950's when Israel was a country of state-owned factories, mom-and-pop stores and public transport are slowly crumbling as American-based chain stores, high-tech hothouses and expensive four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicles become the norm. The first cracks in the wall of restrictions appeared in the mid-1980's when cinemas, theaters, cafes and restaurants across the country began to defy a Sabbath ban on public entertainment and open their doors on Friday evenings. Even in Jerusalem, the holy city, a Sabbath 'club' quarter soon developed where thousands of youths flock for parties and dancing every Friday evening.

Increasingly, private bus companies and foreign airlines are operating public transportation services on the Sabbath. And Israel's economic development as a high-tech powerhouse has meant that more and more computer programmers and electronics specialists feel pressured to work seven days a week along with their employers. So the struggle between secularized Israelis and more devout Jewish Israelis has become a quite battle much like the secular Turks vs. the more practicing Muslims in Turkey. The balance however is not as extreme as countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. We can see that tolerance is a great part of Israel's success as a state. There are approximately 1 million Arab Israeli citizens, who have the protected rights to practice religion as free as they like.

(In this paper I am not going into the current conflict at all, I am focusing on the aspect of religion in Israeli society.) The debate between the Orthodox Jews and the more secular Jews continues today. It is however a healthy and democratic state as well as involving religion in it's mix. 30% of the Knesset is composed of the SHA AS the ultra-orthodox Jews. However this leaves 70% which is not as extreme in their interpretation of the Holy Torah. The state does accommodate religion but not to the extent of causing a societal battle between the two. Israel is relatively united as a Jewish state yet at the same time the values of the west and secularism and democracy is held.

The state institutions seem to uphold to an extent religious practices while the public is permitted to interpret and follow ones own beliefs vis-'a-vis the Torah and his or her own religious denomination. Kosher foods are widely available all over Israel creating a easy adaptation to eating Kosher foods, however there are plenty of Arabic shops to buy from as well which sell Halal meat etc. It seems though that the positive thing about Israel seems to be it's diversity as well as its ability to maintain a democratic style government while at the same time maintaining its Jewish heritage and home land. The largest investor into Israel is the United States and this may also play a large role in it's maintenance of both democracy and the influx of western influence. With large malls, MacDonalds, cinemas, and western style life penetrating Israel it largely influences the lifestyle and living standards.

As well as a large returning of Jewish Americans to live in their eternal homeland Israel. These American educated people come into Israel with western ideas combined with Jewish morals. An example of this is the former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who was educated in the United States of America. This influx ensures the continual influence of democracy in Israel and the Orthodox Jews ensure that religion and morals remain apart of the Israeli state. This balance seems to be kept and works well for Israel.