Introduction
The course “Israel: From Idea to State” (JWSH 410), offered by Prof. Rami Zeedan, underwent a redesign in Spring 2021 with a focus on oral communication. One of the key innovations in the course is the central assignment where students produce podcast episodes. These episodes contribute to this podcast book, Israel’s Divides Explained. The podcast book serves as both a dynamic, evolving resource for the course and a vehicle for students to engage in scholarship by contributing new chapters in the form of podcast episodes, which then become readings for the next cohort of students.
This evolving book enhances the idea of open textbooks and embodies an open-access approach to scholarship, making student research and content widely accessible. As current scholarship defines Israel as a deeply divided society (Zeedan, 2024), this podcast book explores six major divides in Israeli society: the political divide over Zionism and the future of Israel; the national divide between Jews and Arabs; ethnic divides, including those between Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Mizrahi, and Ethiopian Jews; the socioeconomic divide; the religious divide between secular and religious communities; and the gender divide. These six divides structure the book into six parts, each offering deep analysis through chapters focusing on specific aspects of these societal fault lines.
Chapter 1: How the Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 Contributed to the Political Divide in Israel, by Dalton Ercolano, explores how the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 deepened the political divide within Israel. This chapter looks at the rise of Jewish extremism and the effects of Rabin’s assassination on Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, emphasizing how this event further polarized Israel’s political landscape and impeded future peace efforts.
Chapter 2: The Role of NGOs within Israel’s National Divide, by Coby J. Patterson, discusses the critical role that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play within Israel’s national divide, particularly in Palestinian-Arab communities. This chapter analyzes how NGOs help to fill socioeconomic gaps and provide essential services to Arab citizens in Israel, who often find themselves marginalized within the Jewish-dominated national narrative.
In Chapter 3: The Mizrahi-Ashkenazi Divide in Israeli Elections, Olivia G. Lara examines the ethnic divide between Ashkenazi and Mizrahi Jews, particularly in the context of Israeli elections. She traces how Mizrahi Jews, despite forming a significant portion of the population, have historically been marginalized in political and social arenas. The chapter highlights the political mobilization of Mizrahi communities and their ongoing struggles for representation and equality.
Chapter 4: Israeli’s Ethiopian Jews, by Jack Bugee, focuses on the Beta Israel, or Ethiopian Jews, within the broader ethnic divide in Israel. This chapter covers the historical migration of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, the challenges they faced upon arrival, and the persistent social and economic inequalities that distinguish them from Ashkenazi and Mizrahi Jews. Bugee provides insights into the intersections of race, ethnicity, and religion in shaping their experiences in Israeli society.
In Chapter 5: Inequality Facing Mizrahi Jews in Israel, Eli J. Tennison delves deeper into the socioeconomic divide by focusing on the inequality Mizrahi Jews face. This chapter examines how structural factors, such as education, employment, and housing, contribute to the persistent disadvantage experienced by Mizrahi Jews compared to their Ashkenazi counterparts, further entrenching socioeconomic disparities in Israel.
Chapter 6: Religious Divide’s Influence on Education in Israel, by Cora Lanza, analyzes the religious divide between secular and religious communities in Israel, particularly in education. This chapter examines how religious affiliations influence educational policies and practices, resulting in a fragmented educational system reflecting the broader religious tensions within Israeli society.
In Chapter 7: How Does Religion Affect Jewish Women’s Rights in Israel?, Madeline Helms examines the intersection of religion and gender in Israeli society, focusing on how religious laws and norms affect Jewish women’s rights. This chapter sheds light on the complexities of navigating gender equality in a society where religious traditions often dictate legal and social practices.
The first edition of Israel’s Divides Explained was published in November 2024 and will serve as the textbook for future iterations of JWSH 410. Subsequent student cohorts will be invited to contribute new chapters to future editions, ensuring this open-access resource remains current and relevant.
References
Zeedan, R. (2024). Social Identity and Voting Behavior in a Deeply Divided Society: The Case of Israel. Societies 14, no. 9: 177. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14090177