Dr. Arye Carmon

Dr. Arye Carmon is the Founding President of IDI and one of Israel’s foremost experts on political reform. In 1991, he founded the Israel Democracy Institute to strengthen the structural and normative foundations of Israeli democracy. Under his leadership, IDI has become a leading think tank with a reputation among policy makers for non-partisanship, professionalism, and actionable policy recommendations.

Dr. Carmon has promoted democracy and political education in the classroom and as a member of the board of numerous national institutions and government committees. He has published and lectured extensively on education, Israel-Diaspora relations, and the Holocaust.

Dr. Carmon earned his BA and MA (with distinction) from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and his PhD in European History and Educational Policy studies from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

In 2009, the State of Israel recognized Dr. Carmon’s greatest contribution to Israeli society, awarding IDI the prestigious Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement.
In April 2014, Dr. Carmon stepped down as President of the Institute. He now devotes his time to research on the relationship between religion and politics.

Articles Books

Recent Publications written by Dr. Arye Carmon

Default Image
Op-ed

Give Israel a Constitution

In an article originally published in The Jerusalem Post, IDI Former President and Founder Dr. Arye Carmon reflects on the significant progress toward the enactment of a full constitution for Israel.

Holocaust Studies for Preschoolers: Another Missed Educational Opportunity?
Op-ed

Holocaust Studies for Preschoolers: Another Missed Educational Opportunity?

In a <em>Times of Israel</em> op-ed, Dr. Arye Carmon advocates a new approach to educating Israeli school children about the Holocaust, which will humanize both the victims and the perpetrators.

The Referendum Law as a Metaphor
Op-ed

The Referendum Law as a Metaphor

In an op-ed originally published in Haaretz, IDI Former President and Founder Dr. Arye Carmon explains his reservations about the "Referendum Bill" and warns that the concept of referendum is antithetical to the principles of democracy.

The Governance Bill: Pros and Cons
Article

The Governance Bill: Pros and Cons

A video in which IDI researchers discuss some of the pros and cons of the Governance Bill being considered by the Knesset. 

Default Image
Op-ed

The Likud-Beiteinu Merger: A Harbinger of Political Change

In an op-ed originally published in Yedioth Ahronoth, IDI Former President and Founder Dr. Arye Carmon welcomes the merger of the Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu, which he sees as an important milestone in a long, necessary process of repairing Israel's political system.

Default Image

IDI President Dr. Arye Carmon on the Ehud Olmert Verdict

In this video interview, IDI Former President and Founder Dr. Arye Carmon responds to Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's acquittal of most of the charges against him in July 2012.

Books written by Dr. Arye Carmon