 Israeli Elections 2015
An Educational Opportunity
In the US, presidential elections are held every four years. There are two major parties, Democratic and Republican and a few minor parties. Parties vote to select their candidate and the people cast their vote for president from among those selected. Once the election is won, a cabinet is announced and confirmed before the Senate. Both Democratic and Republican parties were established during the early to mid 19th century and remain strong today.
In comparison...
In Israel, elections are held every four years or less. There are at least 12 major parties and several minor parties, each presenting an electoral list for Knesset seats. Often, something called a coalition government is formed, when parties compete for votes on similar platforms. Every few years new parties or new joint tickets pop up in Israel, representing the opportunity to choose a new name - representing an ideology, a stance or an aspiration for the future.
A few from recent years include:
The Zionist Camp (Ha'Machaneh Ha'Tzioni), The Jewish Home (Ha'Bayit Ha'Yehudi), Israel our Home (Israel Beytenu), There's a Future (Yesh Atid), All of Us (Kulanu), Vigor (Meretz), Forward (Kadima) and Consolidation (Likud).
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While the Israeli elections might seem messy and complex, they present an educational opportunity. We've compiled a few resources to support an exploration of the electoral system in Israel, the different parties, their candidates, and educational ideas:
Resources on Current Events in Israel
Election Game workshop
Understand Israel's unique form of democracy and diversity through this election game.
Led by: Ilan Vitemberg, our resident expert
Length: 60-90 minutes.
Ages: Middle school to adults.
Cost: $360 per workshop. Contact Ilan Vitemberg
Elections in Israel - From Chosen to Choosing
From the iCenter for Israel Education
For educators, elections are momentous occasions for enabling discussions that relate to our aspirations as a People, our understanding of timeless values and commitments that ought to inform the fundamental conversations about what it means to be a sovereign Jewish State.
Israeli Elections 2015
From Makom of JAFI
An ongoing blog on educational opportunities during the election campaign, including...
Who are the "real" Zionists in this election? A look at the ideological and verbal sparring of Israeli politicians.
What are the key issues that all Israeli elections attempt to address? The 4 Questions of Hope - Israeli Elections
Monopolity - The Israeli Election Game
From WZO
Do Israeli politics confuse you? What is a coalition negotiation? Should Jews or Israelis living in the Diaspora have the right to vote in Israeli elections?
Try this dynamic, competitive game to better understand the system of government in Israel!
More info
Electoral System in Israel - Israel Government Portal
Election Lesson Plan - Lookstein Center
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