MediaCentral

Is it possible for Israel to be both Jewish and democratic? Are there precedents for a modern nation-state to possess a religious identity? Is this issue problematic - for Israel, for peace, for the region?

Israel's definition as a "Jewish State" continues to be a major point of friction with the Arab world and the Palestinian leadership, let alone in Israel itself. Join us to learn more about these issues both in theory and with practical applications to the on-going peace process.

Ze'ev Bielski was born and raised in Jerusalem. Among his public roles Bielski was the leading Jewish Agency emissary in South Africa, the mayor of Ra'anana, the chairman of the Absorption Committee, the national chairman of the Al-Sam Organization, a member of the World Zionist Organization Council and chairman of the Jewish Agency. Today Ze'ev Bielski is a member of Knesset

with the Kadima party.

Shulamit Aloni is a public leader, human rights activist, jurist and educator, founder of the movment for civil rights and peace (Ratz), founder of the Israeli Consumerism Council. Aloni was a member of the knesset for 27 years and a minister in many Israeli goverments. Aloni is the recipient of 1999 Israel Prize, awarded to her for special contribution to Israeli society. Aloni grew up in Tel Aviv, served in the Palmach and in the IDF and participated in the war of independence

Dr. Kalman Neuman was born in the US and has lived in Israel since 1969. He received his BA, MA, and Ph.D. in history from the Hebrew University. His dissertation dealt with the influence of the Hebrew Bible on early modern political thought. He has also written on issues of Jewish Law and the State and on contemporary Religious Zionism. He is especially interested in exploring the religious attitude to questions of war and peace. He is presently a researcher in the Religion and State project of the Israel Democracy Institute.