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Secularization in the Holy Land: Challenges for the State- Secularism and Nationalism in Israel



Author(s)

Ann-Kathrin Biewener

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DOI:10.17265/2328-2134/2016.11.004

Israel is on the way to become a secular state. Parts of the society are separating from the religious authority. Under the international pressure of the globalization it is getting more important for Israel to integrate in the western interpretation of secularization. It seems that a secular Israel could resolve the political and social inequality between the ethnic groups. But the process of secularization causes a couple of problems in the society. Since years Israel is on the move to find his identity in a pluralistic and globalized world. The religious affiliation is decreasing in Israel. People do not believe privately anymore. In public it is still demonstrated, that Israel is united in the religious beliefs. Nationalism regains strength in Israel and causes new conflicts. This qualitative work based on hermeneutic and media analyses will show how problematic the way of secularization is and that the society will be probably even more unequal than before. If Israel is losing his ties of religious beliefs it needs to find a new identity. But the increase of secularization causes also the increase of nationalism. Nationalism and in his extreme forms of religious nationalism or ethnocentrism will jeopardize equality under the population. Thus, the question has to be answered if a secular Israel will be more open, pluralistic or equal and finally better prepared to meet the challenges of the politically unstable Middle East region and the globalization.

Israel, Judaism, secularization, ethnicity, nationalism

Biewener, A. K. (2016). Secularization in the Holy Land: Challenges for the state- secularism and nationalism in Israel. International Relations and Diplomacy, 4(11), 718-728.