Israel’s Nation-State Law, also known as the Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People, was passed by the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in July 2018. The law enshrines Israel as a Jewish state and makes Hebrew the country’s official language, while downgrading Arabic from an official language to one with “special status.”
The debate over the Nation-State Law has been largely divided along political and ideological lines. Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to strengthen Israel’s Jewish identity and protect its cultural and religious heritage. They argue that it is a symbolic law that does not infringe on the rights of non-Jewish citizens and that it simply reinforces the fact that Israel was created as a Jewish homeland.
Opponents of the law argue that it undermines the democratic nature of the state and discriminates against Israel’s Arab minority, which makes up about 20% of the population. They argue that the law sends a message that non-Jewish citizens are second-class and that it could be used to justify discriminatory policies and practices against Arab citizens in the future. They also criticize the law for failing to mention the principle of equality and for ignoring the rights of other minority groups in Israel.
The debate over the Nation-State Law has also spilled over into the international arena, with some countries and organizations condemning the law as discriminatory and racist. The law has been a source of controversy both within Israel and abroad, with supporters and opponents alike continuing to voice their opinions on its merits and flaws.
Calev moderated this debate between Matt who supports the law, and MIke who argues that it must be at least changed.
Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think!
This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!
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