Between excessive centralization and hesitant decentralization
Amendment #43 to the Israel Planning and Building Law of 1995 was the most important step so far to devolve planning powers to the local planning commissions. The powers devolved, however, were minimal – the authority to approve a set category of amendments to local plans which contain only minor change to the existing plans. […]
The Plastics Industry in Israel – Current Economic Status and Future Alternate Economic Outlook
This study is part of an investigation carried out by the Samuel Neaman Institute on the future Alternatives of the Plastics and Polymers industries in Israel. A previous study “The Polymer Industry in Israel and the World” was prepared by H.D. Frenkel, and was published by the Samuel Neaman Institute in November 1990. The objective […]
Neighborhood Renewal in Israel – Evaluation and Results
“The Plan for Neighborhood Rehabilitation and Renewal” known as the “Rehabilitation Project” has been in operation in Israel for ten years. Now it leaves the neighborhoods and changes it character. Formally, however, it still includes within its framework 90 neighborhoods countrywide, in which about 15% of the country’s citizens reside. In scope and complexity this […]
The Higher Education System in Israel – Issues, characteristics and unique Aspects
A broad view on the Israeli system of higher education is described. The development of the Israeli system has been influenced by developments in some other countries. Yet, this system is characterized by some unique aspects, including – education of prominence leaders, unprecedented national contribution, and worldwide research excellence – all these with relatively modest […]
Israel in 2030, Liberal Democracy, Populistic or Autocracy? ‘Round Table’ Discussion
The Economy and Society Forum, ‘Round Table’ Discussion, February 29th, 2024. The round table discussion took place as part of the Economy and Society Forum at Neaman Institute. It focused on democracy in Israel as the cornerstone of any discussion in the realm of economy and society. For several years now, Israeli society has experienced […]
North Wind: Local Patriotism and National Crisis
This report presents the findings of a survey conducted among residents of the north of Israel who were evacuated from their homes following the events of October 7 and the war that broke out in its wake.
The evacuation of the northern residents is a unique and unprecedented event in the history of Israeli society.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes and are living in hotels and other evacuation centers. The survey was conducted by the Samuel Neaman Institute’s survey system, headed by Golan Tamir.
Haredi Recruitment in Israel – A Broad Perspective
The issue of Haredi conscription, including the recurring rounds of legislation, holds immense and intricate significance: it encompasses social, security, political, judicial, and ethical dimensions. Alongside political engagement within the government and Knesset, public discourse — rages no less fervently the moral-ethical question of equality in the burden of service. Most of the discussion, on […]
Guidelines for Creating Educational Continuity During Prolonged Crisis Situations: Insights from the ‘ Education during crisis’ Forum
The presented analysis and recommendations aim to ensure uninterrupted educational routine for all Israeli pupils, with a specific focus on those evacuated. This report was written following the Iron Swords War eruption on October 7, 2023 for about three months (from November 12, 2023, to January 28, 2024). This war and the crisis that followed it, posed the education system with multifaceted and complex challenges previously unencountered, but will most probably will face in future crisis situations, such as earthquake events in Israel.
Democracy as a Critical Infrastructure during a State of Emergency
Democracy is not only an essential infrastructure during normal times; in fact, safeguarding it becomes even more crucial during times of emergency. This document explores the intricate relationships between democracy, individual rights and emergencies. The authors acknowledge that acute crises, like natural disasters, pandemics or wars, may warrant deviations from both the formal facet of […]
Past initiatives to strengthen the Israeli society: Lessons from the Past
Israel is in the midst of a multidimensional crisis combining legislative initiatives, policy changes and public upheaval. This led to long lasting protests that exposed the fragmentation of the Israeli society. The Samuel Neaman Institute has addressed issues related to the Israeli society since 2005, including a unifying definition of societal resilience (Gal, Padan, 2020). […]
