Strengthening the status and resilience of self-employed workers in the Israeli labor market.
A professional seminar with members of government, academia, civil society and research institutes.
Project Fake or Not promotes digital literacy, providing the tools, knowledge and skills necessary for educators in Israel to teach their students to view information critically and identify the veracity of the content to which they are exposed.
The conference is co-hosted by IDI and Bokra and will highlight current developments in Arab-Israeli society.
Save the date! | May 21-22, 2024 | Live | By Invite Only
A special conference on local authorities in collaboration between TheMarker, the Israel Democracy Institute, the Eddie and Jules Trump Family Foundation and a network of local authorities.
Save the date! | May 30-31, 2023 | Live | By Invite Only
Former Justices and Justice Ministers convene in Jerusalem for an emergency international conference on judicial independence in Israel.
A comparative and local view on steps necessary to formulating a Constitution for Israel - The Israel Democracy Institute in conjunction with The Israeli Law Professors' Forum for Democracy
Launch of Publications: Perspectives on Government Corruption and Corruption and Voting January 10, 2023 | 10 AM–2 PM The Israel Democracy Institute, 4 Pinsker St., Jerusalem
Conference to mark the publication of Ariel Finkelstein’s new book “Politics and Administration in Haredi Local Authorities”
Times of Israel is holding a special online event to discuss the current judicial reforms under debate and their possible implications for Israeli democracy. The event will be live streamed here on IDI’s English website in addition to the Times of Israel website.
The conference is part of the Israel Week for Social Solidarity sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League and coincides with the publication by the Israel Democracy Institute of Mamlakhtiyut in the Twenty-First Century
The conference, organized by the Israel Democracy Institute and the Yigal Allon Center and attended by some 1,200 students from pre-military academies (mechinot) throughout Israel, and held this afternoon
The conference focuses on the challenges of implementing education towards democracy among different sectors of Israeli society while providing an international comparison. Participants will included educators from the Ministry of Education and local authorities, academics and civil society organizations.
Join Bret Stephens, Yohanan Plesner and Yonit Levi for insightful analysis as they assess the new government’s durability and its capacity to change the trajectory of Israel’s domestic policies and relations with the world in general and the US in particular.
Can the cycle of elections be broken, and what will it mean for Israel and for the US-Israel relationship? Jeffrey Goldberg, Yohanan Plesner, and Yonit Levi
The roundtable discussion will focus on the regulation of digital election campaigning and the challenges arising from what is only partial regulation in preparation for the upcoming elections in Israel. This, following a new policy study "Digital Campaigns and its Threat to the Elections."
The Eli Hurvitz Conference focuses on long-term strategic issues of importance to the government and the state. The conference is based on research and professional discussions, and integrates a wide range of experts, government officials and businessmen.
Speakers include: Prof. Jan-Werner Mueller, Prof. Cristobal Rovira Kaltwasser, Dr. Jordon Kyle, Prof. Yuli Tamir and leading IDI researchers, public figures and journalists. The conference is in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) is launching the publication of the book “From the Margins to the Fore: Religious Zionism and Israeli Society”, edited by Yair Sheleg
The Israel Democracy Institute and Foreign Policy at Brookings will convene a conference with thought leaders from Israel, the United States, and elsewhere to develop ways to strengthen the shared values underpinning democracies and to devise strategies to confront new challenges to democratic norms and institutions
The conference, chaired by Dr. Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, Dr. Guy Lurie and Dr. Ofer Kenig, will focus on the need to amend the existing election campaign law and adapt it to the digital world, as well as on the role of the Central Elections Committee in the election process and its political role regarding the disqualification of lists and candidates
The two day conference will be devoted to the theme of the place of rights considerations in the policy making process, focusing on the different products of our research
The recently passed Nation State Law changed the status of Arabic from an official language in the State of Israel to a language with “special status". Although some may view this as only a symbolic measure, this decision has broad implications for the Israeli public. Our discussion will examine this change from a broad perspective and will relate to the many aspects of this issue. Among other things, we will discuss the study of Arabic in the education system, the presence of the Arabic language in the public and media arenas and language as a means for cultural expression.
The 2018 Israeli Democracy Index is presented to President Reuven Rivlin by IDI President Yohanan Plesner. The Democracy Index project, now in its 16th year, is conducted by the research team of the Guttman Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at IDI, headed by Prof. Tamar Hermann. The study is based on a representative sample of 1,041 respondents, Jews and Arabs, and provides data on the situation of the Israeli democracy as measured by various international indices.
As violent extremism grows in cyberspace, IDI and Yad Vashem team up to tackle online hate speech. Meeting on November 7 for the first of a series of international workshops intended to formulate policy recommendations for governments and social media corporations.
Book launch: Conversion in Israel: Vision | Edited by: Yedidia Stern and Netanel Fisher
The Eli Hurvitz Conference focuses on long-term strategic issues of importance to the government and the state. The conference is based on research and professional discussions, and integrates a wide range of experts, government officials and businessmen.
Featuring two book launches: “Haredim A Guide to their Beliefs and Sectors” and “A Flock with No Shepherd: Shas Leadership the Day after Rabbi Ovadia Yosef”
After 70 years, how are we implementing the principles of the Declaration of Independence, and what will we be proud of when we celebrate our 100th anniversary?
This conference will examine the Israeli public intellectual’s place in public discourse, from a historical and contemporary perspective as well as various ways of cultivating public intellectuals.
The Status of the Declaration of Independence: Vision, Law or Constitution? Marking the transition from the Assembly of Representatives to the Knesset, February 1949
A conference on the Jewish nation-state, specifically focused on a central current issue: the relationship between the Jewish nation-state and Diaspora Jewry.
In light of the proposed amendment to the law on the Council for Higher Education
The Israeli Democracy Index 2017 will be presented on December 12, 2017 to President Reuven Rivlin by Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI)
This conference will present a comprehensive analysis of the Israeli government's accomplishments, set backs and challenges yet to be addressed with regards to the status of Arab society in the country over the last decade.
What is the most suitable way to select candidates for the Knesset? What are the pros and cons of the various methods, from the leader's method to open primaries? What are the opportunities and risks involved in adopting an open primaries model?
Do political appointments in the civil service improve governance or obstruct gatekeepers' oversight abilities? This special discussion is being convened by the Israel Democracy Institute and Center for Citizen Empowerment.
This year the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) will bestow the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award MK Roy Folkman (Kulanu) and MK Karin Elharar (Yesh Atid)
Considering the Western Wall egalitarian prayer space crisis and the recent cementing of the ultra-Orthodox monopoly on conversions, the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) will host a special conference on the erosion of the status quo, which was an attempt to shape a simultaneously Jewish and Israeli society, based on common denominators. Does the status quo still work? Is it possible to reach a consensus on legislation pertaining to issues of religion and state? How can religious services in Israel be improved?
Work collaboratively in an intimate setting and among senior thought leaders on ways to strengthen the socioeconomic strategy of the state of Israel.
The principle of proportionality is not always taken into consideration within the discourse relating to privacy and state sanctioned online surveillance. Different jurisdictions and legal systems use explicit or tacit proportionality considerations by deploying various procedural, institutional and technological safeguards in the context of communication networks surveillance.
What are the implications of each potential political solution for the territories, Judea and Samaria? How will Israel be affected in each scenario? What are the implications for democracy, security, Arabs and the settlers?
An Israel Democracy Institute event in collaboration with the Hebrew paper Makor Rishon
IDI hosts a timely workshop that examines the connection between advances in digital technology, development and dissemination of media content, good government and the future viability of Israel's democracy.
What is the relationship between Israel’s Arab minority and the state? What is their position as individuals and as a national group? Arab political leadership has an effect on the answers to these questions. This Israel Democracy Institute Nation-State Program, together with the Injaz Center for Professional Arab Local Governance, invites you to a roundtable discussion to analyze these issues. Discussion will center on the role of Arab leaders in Israel, their complicated relationship with their Arab constituency and the state.
No one disagrees that social networks are a central and important platform that tremendously increases our freedom of expression – both in our ability to express our own views and in our access to consumer information. However, concurrently, we are uncovering some disadvantages of these platforms.
On Friday, January 13, the Israel Democracy Institute hosted a diplomatic briefing on the 2016 Israeli Democracy Index for ambassadors, deputy ambassadors and other top visiting officials. The Democracy Index aims at assessing trends in Israeli public opinion regarding realization of democratic values and the performance of government systems and elected officials. Analysis of its results may contribute to public discussion of the status of democracy in Israel and create a cumulative empirical database to intensify discourse concerning such issues. Learn more: https://en.idi.org.il/publications/11985
International Workshop
This seminar will feature local and international experts, who will discuss various issues related to Jewish identity, such as: how one becomes a member of the Jewish people, attitudes towards mixed marriages, the proliferation of ways to be Jewish today and more.
The Israel Democracy Institute and Ron Arad's colleagues from his piloting course cordially invite you to a symposium.
Co-sponsored by Jerusalem Center for Ethics and Tzohar Academic direction by Rabbi Yuval Cherlow, head of the ethics and religion department at the Jerusalem Center for Ethics and the head of the ethics division of Tzohar Dr. Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, head of the Media Ethics Program at the Israel Democracy Institute With participation by MK Yuli Edelstein, speaker of the Knesset
On Sept. 20, the Israel Democracy Institute and the Federmann School of Public Policy and Government at the Hebrew University hosted a several hours-long workshop to discuss the Council for Higher Education’s five-year plan to integrate members of the ultra-Orthodox community into academia. The event focused on the plan’s challenges and opportunities, alternatives and impact on Israeli society, academia, ultra-Orthodox society and the status of women.
Press Conference: A first look at the results of a new survey published by The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) in Jerusalem and The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) in Ramallah, in partnership with and support from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and with funding from the European Union (EU). Open to press only.
The United States is currently electing the candidates for president through an open primaries process. Could something similar work in Israel? Would open primaries help stabilize the Israeli political process?
How to increase the participation of Israel's diverse population groups in discussions related to the country's foreign policy? By invitation only.
A second meeting of the caucus for strengthening the stature of the Knesset led by MK Elazar Stern (Yesh Atid). Discussion focused on private-member legislation, which is brought before the Knesset at a higher rate than among most Western countries.
The public is invited to participate in the 33rd meeting of the forum to discuss issues facing the higher education system in Israel in a symposium entitled "The Council of Higher Education: Where to Now?"
The Outstanding Parliamentarian Award will be granted to MKs Moshe .Gafni and Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin
Throughout the night, the public will be able to attend discussions, lectures, readings, panels, concerts and performances. The audience will experience philosophy in a whole new light – by night!
The growing use of computers in all areas of life is rapidly changing the legal landscape. The frequency of computer is causing regulatory agencies to request that their authority to search online content (including mobile devices) be expanded. This IDI discussion was by invitation only.
Should there be political appointments? How do these appointments impact the effectiveness of the government?
How should the Israeli courts handle cases involving the corruption of senior leaders? And what was it in the Holyland Affair that led to criticism of the judicial system and its verdict?
From February 12-15, 2016, members of IDI's International Advisory Council, Board of Directors, and distinguished guests gathered in Jerusalem.
Celebration of the launch of the Israel Democracy Institute's master plan for Ultra-Orthodox employment. This event (Hebrew) was live streamed.
A roundtable discussion celebrating the publication of the book "When Judaism Meets State" (IDI Press 2015).
A conference organized by Dr. Lee Cahaner and Mrs. Racheli Ibenboim
A joint discussion presented by the Israel Democracy Institute and the Abraham Fund.
The annual synposium of the Amnon Lipkin Shahak Program on National Security & Democracy
Presentation of the 2015 Israeli Democracy Index to President Reuven Rivlin and release of its findings to the public
The book launch for "Both Jewish and Democratic: A Handbook for Israeli Teachers" by Prof. Adar Cohen.
After 20 years, the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin is still seen as a pivotal event in the relationship between religious Zionism and Israeli society. This seminar will examine how religious Zionism has changed over the past two decades and what (if any) impact Rabin's murder had on those changes.
Co-sponsored by Ynet
A roundtable convened by IDI and the Kohelet Policy Forum
Ceremony in the Presence of Knesset Speaker Yoel (Yuli) Edelstein
A joint conference convened by IDI and Makor Rishon, which explored how Israeli democracy continues to face the challenges of the Disengagement.
An international workshop in Madrid, as a part of the "Proportionality in Public Policy" project, funded by a research grant from the European Research Council.
A joint conference convened by the Lautman Foundation, IDI, and the Open University, during which President Ruby Rivlin awarded letters of recognition schools throughout Israel that have stood out in the pursuit of cooperation and dialogue between different segments of Israeli society, and against violence and racism.
A meeting at the Knesset, convened by MK Dr. Aliza Lavie in cooperation with IDI and ITIM, to discuss the conversion of children and youth to Judaism in Israel.
A conference on the status of people with disabilities in Israel hosted by IDI and the Ruderman Family Foundation
A celebratory event in honor of "The Political System of Israel," by Prof. Yitzhak Galnoor and Dr. Dana Blander.
A Pre-Election Book Launch
A panel hosted by IDI and the Menachem Begin Heritage Center
An evening dedicated to the findings of a study of the National Religious Sector conducted by IDI's Guttman Center for Surveys
A symposium on caring for prison inmates who are HIV positive or who refuse to accept medical treatment, conducted by IDI and the Inmate Division of the Israel Prison Service.
Presentation of the 2014 Israeli Democracy Index to President Reuven Rivlin and release of its findings to the public
A roundtable hosted by IDI's Amnon Lipkin-Shahak Center for Security and Democracy and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
An event held as part of the Rand Corporation's Policy Circle Briefing Series
A joint event of IDI's Human Rights and Judaism project and Princeton University’s Law and Public Affairs Program
The Caesarea Forum Since 1992
An exploration of whether changes in Israeli society changing the nature of Israeli soldiers and the values that motivate them, convened in the wake of Operation Protective Edge.
An urgent meeting to prevent further deterioration of relations between Jews and Arabs in Israel following the murder of Eyal Yifrach, Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Mohammed Abu Khdeir and Operation Protective Edge.
How do Jewish sources—both religious and national—relate to citizens who are not Jewish, whether as individuals or members of a group? This question was explored at a unique conference at the Israel Democracy Institute that examined and evaluated the way Jewish thinkers saw this issue throughout the generations.
A roundtable that explored the challenge of maintaining the autonomy of Israel's system of higher education while ensuring its contribution to the State and to Israeli society.
A Conference with the Hemdat Hadarom College of Education
An evening of study dedicated to the integration of people with intellectual disabilities in the family, the community, and Jewish life.
A book launch in honor of the publication of Prof. Yaron Ezrahi's new book by Cambridge University Press.
The Knesset is currently debating two initiatives that would give the Jewish and democratic identity of the State of Israel a constitutional foundation. On March 5, 2014, the Israel Democracy Institute and the Hebrew University Faculty of Law convened a conference in order to discuss the issues that surround these initiatives.
Ceremony in the Presence of Knesset Speaker Yoel (Yuli) Edelstein
A joint initiative of IDI, the Bar-Ilan University Faculty of Law, the Tikvah Center for Law & Jewish Civilization, and JOFA
A conference on responsibility for people with disabilities in cooperation with Bizchut – The Israel Human Rights Center for People with Disabilities
An evening to mark the publication of the first volume of a comprehensive overview of Israel's political system by Prof. Yitzhak Galnoor and Dr. Dana Blander
A briefing on contemporary issues on the public agenda
How is the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community dealing with the split within its community? How is religious Zionism dealing with the tension between its liberal and more ultra-Orthodox streams? What will happen to the Sephardic ultra-Orthodox community in the post-Ovadia Yosef period? Are we indeed at the end of an era?
A meeting of the Assembly of 200 of IDI's Israel Speaks: Human Dignity initiative, which brought together 200 citizens from all walks of Israeli life to partner in a historic, nation-wide effort to draft a Declaration of Human Dignity
A roundtable on embargoes and exclusives
On November 6, 2013, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented his economic vision to the participants in the Eli Hurvitz Conference on Economy and Society via video. As can be seen below, his five-point plan emphasized developing technology, building infrastructure, cultivating new markets, exercising responsibility, and encouraging competition.
On November 6, 2013, a video interview with Bank of Israel Governor Designate Dr. Karnit Flug was broadcast at the 2013 Eli Hurvitz Conference on Economy and Society. This was Dr. Flug's first public interview since being named Governor of the Bank of Israel. Dr. Flug was interviewed by Mr. Yarom Ariav, the director of the Eli Hurvitz Conference, two days before the conference itself. Dr. Flug, who has attended the conference for many years, was not able to attend the conference due to overseas commitments.
As the start of her address to the 2013 Eli Hurvitz Conference on Economy and Society, Health Minister Yael German asserted the point of departure of her presentation is the lack of investment in health: we talk about health, we even die for health, but we are less likely to invest in it.
On Sunday October 6, 2013, the 2013 Israeli Democracy Index was presented to President Shimon Peres and the findings were released to the general public.
The second annual Outstanding Parliamentarian Award
A public event hosted by Keshet Broadcasting and the Israel Democracy Institute
The kick off event of IDI's Israel Speaks: Human Dignity project, in which 20 leading representatives of Israeli society shared perspectives on human dignity and defined the conceptual framework for a Declaration of Human Dignity.
This event is In cooperation with the University of Haifa and the Jewish-Arab Center
A conference that explored whether it is possible to engage traditional Jewish sources in the contemporary debate on the nature of distributive justice and to involve them as active participants in shaping Israeli society today.
A two-day conference on the role of Religious Zionism in Israeli society
A roundtable in cooperation with the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and Reshet Bet
The last lecture in a series of four lectures by Rabbi Dr. Benjamin (Benny) Lau
A conference in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
In cooperation with the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and Reshet Bet radio.
Four days of debates, panels, and exchanges in French and Hebrew with simultaneous translation
The third lecture in a series of four lectures by Rabbi Dr. Benjamin (Benny) Lau
The second in a series of four lectures by Rabbi Dr. Benjamin (Benny) Lau at the Ramban Synagogue
The first in a series of four lectures by Rabbi Dr. Benjamin (Benny) Lau at the Ramban Synagogue
A special pre-Passover event at the Ramban Synagogue
Co-sponsored by Metzilah - The Center for Zionist, Jewish, Liberal and Humanist Thought
A Roundtable on Section 3A of the Foundations of the Budget Law 1985
Co-sponsored by IDI and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Israel
The fourth meeting of IDI's International Advisory Council took place on February 2–4, 2013 in Wye River, MD.
An event marking the publication of Dr. Arye Carmon's new book on the constitutional quest in Israel by IDI and Am Oved.
An event hosted by IDI and the Van Leer Institute that will explore the erosion of the border between academic freedom and politics.
On Thursday, January 3, 2013, IDI Vice President Prof. Mordechai Kremnitzer presented a proposal to regulate lobbying activity in Israel to Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin.
A roundtable on whether there is a need for religious parties in Israel today.
An exploration of the need for immigration policies beyond the Law of Return, the economic and social impact of migrants on Israeli citizens, and policies regarding asylum seekers and refugees.
A two-day conference hosted by IDI's Terrorism and Democracy project
A roundtable hosted by the Israel Democracy Institute and the Abraham Fund Initiatives.
A session at the General Assembly in Baltimore featuring IDI President Dr. Arye Carmon.
A roundtable hosted by IDI's George Shultz Roundtable Forum and the Israel Political Science Association.
On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, IDI and the Jerusalem Center for Ethics hosted an event that explored the connection between economics, communications, politics, and political corruption.
On Sunday June 10, 2012, IDI, in cooperation with Dr. Zvi Reich of the Communications Department of Ben-Gurion University, brought together journalists and experts from other disciplines and professions for a conference on "Facts and Conclusions in Contemporary Journalism." This interdisciplinary conference fostered extensive and in-depth discussion beyond the limitations of conventional journalistic debate, and exposed journalists to best practices from other disciplines that can inform their journalistic work.
As the turbulent tenure of the State Comptroller, Justice (Emeritus) Micha Lindenstrauss, neared its conclusion, IDI's George Shultz Roundtable Forum convened to discuss the role of the State Comptroller and the desired nature of the state audit.
On Wednesday and Thursday, May 16-17, 2012, IDI hosted an international conference on the Role of Religion in Human Rights Discourse as part of the activities of its Human Rights and Judaism project. Topics discussed at the conference included Freedom of Religion, Freedom from Religion, Religion as a Source of Human Rights, and Religion and Human Rights on the Ground.
A roundtable on the proposed solution to the problem of Bedouin settlements in the Negev.
On Monday April 23, 2012, IDI and the Zalman Shazar Center hosted an evening marking the publication of Religion and Politics in Jewish Thought: Essays in Honor of Aviezer Ravitzky, edited by Benjamin Brown, Menachem Lorberbaum, Avinoam Rosenak, and Yedidia Z. Stern.
On Wednesday, March 21, 2012, IDI hosted a conference on poverty in the Jewish and democratic state as part of the activities of its Human Rights and Judaism project. The conference explored the definition of poverty from a Jewish perspective, from a socio-economic perspective, and from a moral perspective. In addition, it explored the rights and obligations of the middle class, and the responsibility of the community, civil society, and state.
A full day conference convened by IDI's Nation State project and Religion and State project.
IDI's first Outstanding Parliamentarian Award was awarded to MKs Dov Khenin, Uri Maklev, and Zevulun Orlev.
On Sunday, November 20, 2011, IDI convened the George Shultz Roundtable Forum to explore the meanings and implications of the proposed Basic Law: Israel - The Nation State of the Jewish People.
On Wednesday, September 14, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., the Israel Democracy Institute convened a roundtable on International Recognition of the Palestinian State and its Effect on Political and Legal Discourse in Israel. This event focused on the challenges that such a change in status will present as well as on possible solutions, and was attended by politicians and diplomats, government officials, military personnel, lawyers and jurists, academics, and prominent political activists.
On Sunday and Monday, June 19–20, 2011, IDI hosted an international conference that explored questions of religion and state in Israel, the Middle East, and Western culture. The conference was conducted under the auspices of IDI's Nation State project, headed by IDI Senior Fellow and Israel Prize laureate Prof. Anita Shapira.
On Wednesday, June 15, 2011, IDI convened its George Shultz Roundtable Forum to discuss the nature and content of the civics curriculum in Israel.
On Sunday June 6, 2010, IDI hosted a conference in honor of the publication of Reflections on Jewish Democracy, an anthology edited by Dr. Benny Porat in cooperation with Prof. Aviezer Ravitzsky. This conference, which was cosponsored by the Tzohar Organization, brought together leading academicians and religious scholars to explore Jewish perspectives on the principles and institutions of democracy.
On May 26-27, 2010, The Israel Democracy Institute hosted an International Workshop on Bi-Nationalism. During this workshop, leading Israeli and International scholars explored the historical record of bi-nationalist polities, examined multi-national models, and analyzed the uniqueness of the State of Israel as a Jewish nation-state.
On December 17-19, 2008, IDI hosted leading academics from Israel and abroad, for an international workshop on Anti-Politics: Citizens, Politics and the Political Profession.