In recent years, the discussion about Israel was dominated by post-Zionist, post-Israeli opinions. Important voices that represent large sectors of Israeli society were not heard. To somewhat change this situation, some of the best scholars in their respective fields participate in this ultimate collection of essays about Israeli society, its politics and schisms. The book aims to tackle timely concerns, like Israel's fight against terror, its relationships with the Palestinians, the mutual relationships between the civic society and the army, the status of women in society, and separation between state and religion. Particular attention is given to probing the state of human rights, minority rights, and health rights. The volume also discusses the tensions between liberalism and socialism, between state and religion, and between immigration groups, most notably resulting from the immigration from the former Soviet Union.

1. Introduction 2. From Socialism to Free Market - The Israeli Economy, 1948-2003 3. On Media and Politics: Between Enlightened Authoritarianism and Social Responsibility 4. Human Rights 5. Health Rights 6. Women's Human Rights: Dichotomy between Religion and Secularism in Israel 7. Israel as a Multicultural Democracy: Challenges and Obstacles 8. The Integration of Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union 9. Is a Halakhic State Possible? The Paradox of Jewish Theocracy 10. 'A Jewish and Democratic State': Present Navigation in the Map of Interpretations 11. Whither the Green Line? Trends in the Orientation of the Palestinians in Israel and the Territories 12. Israel and Its Arab Citizens 13. Israel Facing Terrorism 14. Zionism Revisited 15. Israeli Democracy at the Crossroads