Deep Diversity, the Common Good, and the Israeli Futurep

Key Findings:

This essay discusses the complexities of Israeli politics, particularly in light of recent events that include violence in Jerusalem, confrontations in Gaza, and tensions between Arabs and Jews within Israel. It also discusses the development of the recent Israeli government coalition that replaced Benjamin Netanyahu represents a new phenomenon in Israeli politics.

Israeli politics are dizzying and marked by contradictions. Hugely conflicting stories exist about the Haredim, Religious Zionists, Mizrahim, and the liberal elite, and the narrative about each that one chooses to believe reflects the diversity and complexity of Israeli identity and politics.

The concept of “authentic diversity" is introduced, which goes beyond superficial diversity (as seen on American university campuses in regards to skin color) and where the challenge lies in building a common societal framework that accommodates everyone as best as possible. The author refers to a 2015 speech by former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who identified four distinct tribal groups in Israel: religious, secular, Haredi, and Arab. These groups have different values, educational systems, and visions for their children's futures — these differences are fundamental rather than merely political.

The author criticizes "fundamentalist liberalism," which seeks to enforce a liberal worldview on a diverse society. It argues that this approach is flawed because Israel is a society with strong religious, ethnic, and national commitments, unlike the United States. The focus on individual rights and autonomy at the expense of communal solidarity would not work in Israel’s case.

Key principles identified for navigating deep diversity include: (1) embracing cultural differences; (2) acknowledging the importance of tribal identities; (3) fostering mutual recognition and acceptance; (4) building relationships based on personal connections; and (5) allowing for ideological flexibility.

In Israel, a unique societal movement is emerging, transcending divisive social media discourse and culture wars. These leaders, termed "people of the borders," are committed to both their personal beliefs and collaborative efforts with others, valuing cultural and moral complexity as a societal asset. This movement encompasses diverse segments of Israeli society, including Haredim, Arab Muslims, Mizrahi traditionalists. Examples include leaders like Moshe Morgenstern, who balances Haredi community commitments with public health imperatives, and Idit Silman, who unites various political parties on critical initiatives. These leaders work with the author at Shaharit, and their work emphasizes the importance of maintaining individual identities whilst building connections.

A politics of the common good focuses on sociology rather than ideology, and nurtures interplay among diverse groups. Acknowledging and accepting cultural differences is of great importance, especially considering the enormous potential for hybridization and mutual influence between different perspectives.

Two possible futures for Israel exist: one marked by ideological rigidity and division; and another characterized by a more modest and inclusive approach that seeks to find common ground among diverse groups. A different approach to managing deep and authentic diversity is needed. Democracy is about coming together with people who are different and constructing a society that is good for all.