Freedom of religion in israel

PA drafts constitution, omits Jewish ties to Jerusalem, calls for Sharia legal system

The draft constitution also called for the "right of return" for refugees, caring for families of "martyrs, prisoners, and exiles," and reaffirming the PLO's position as representing Palestinians.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the general Conference of Fatah Youth in Ramallah, with a backdrop including a portrait of Abbas and Yasser Arafat, November 27, 2025; illustrative.
SIMCHAT TORAH at the Gush Etzion junction.

Simchat Torah: Divine fire and national legacy

 Muslims pray on the first Friday of Ramadan, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in Jerusalem's Old City, March 7, 2025

Police on guard as tens of thousands of Muslims hold Ramadan prayers on Temple Mount

 A WOMAN walks in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. The Armenians in Jerusalem are one of the smallest and most vulnerable communities; they are neither Palestinian nor Israeli and have no interest in being dragged into the ongoing conflict, says the writer.

Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter under threat: Urgent call for protection - opinion


US criticizes Ben Gvir's Temple Mount visit, sparking debate on Jewish prayer rights - opinion

US opposition to Itamar Ben Gvir's Temple Mount visit highlights hypocrisy in denying Jewish prayer rights while supporting discriminatory practices.

 NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir walks near the Western Wall, after visiting the temple Mount on Tisha B’Av, earlier this month.

‘Jewish myth:’ In Arab world, many still refuse to accept the two Temples' existence - analysis

‘Temple denial’ is a known practice amongst those who seek to deny any historical presence for Jews in Israel, leading to a denial of Israel’s right to exist

 The Dome of the Rock and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City as viewed from the Mount of Olives. This place should be for all who are interested in free and safe access and peaceful worship together, the writer maintains.

IDF reservists learn Talmud, maintain spiritual practice amid Gaza war

Most recently, a group of IDF reservists finished the Talmudic tractate of Berachot by splitting it up into sections and each learning a small part. 

 IDF soldier shown with a Jewish spiritual book in his pocket.

Secular groups warn: 'The war must not be used to push religion in army bases'

They say that allowing groups such as the Noam Party into bases violates the rights of gay soldiers, due to its homophobic nature.

  Noam Party leader MK Avi Maoz, December 5, 2022.

Israelis must reconcile “Jewish” and “democratic” - opinion

The current government has taken things to a new level, and parts of the coalition are unaware that a messianic halachic state is not a Jewish state.

 SPLITTING A disputed tallit is a familiar concept in Judaism. The good news is that the subject has always been controversial. The bad news is that the debate has reached a boiling point, says the writer.

Awakening the secular soul: Reconnecting with Jewish heritage

As Yom Kippur concluded in Tel Aviv, it's imperative to contemplate the emotions that engulfed the demonstration—emotions that ranged from frustration to anger and even hatred.

 Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism conference on May 31, 2023

New survey reveals public attitudes towards religious influence in Israel

56% of Israeli residents aged 20 and above believe that the influence of religion has strengthened in various areas in recent years.

 BNEI BRAK: The combination of ultra-Orthodox large families who are unemployed, lack a regular income and the basic education required for knowledge and occupation, has led to extensive poverty among this sector, says the writer.

Herzog condemns Quran burning in Sweden, attacks on Christians in Israel

President Herzog's strong condemnation underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to protect religious minorities and their sacred texts.

 Israeli president Isaac Herzog attends the President's Award for volunteering at the president's residence in Jerusalem, June 14, 2023.

The Jewish people are a people that live apart - excerpt

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: The following is an extract from the introduction to the writer’s new book, "Being a Nation-State in the Twenty-First Century," published by Academic Studies Press.

 SCHOOLCHILDREN LOOK at the Declaration of Independence on display at Israel’s 10th anniversary exhibition held at Jerusalem’s Binyenei Ha’uma in 1958.

The reform Israel needs is not part of Yariv Levin's plan - opinion

The opportunity for real change is upon us and the demand for a constitution is being expressed. It will take time, but the process has finally begun.

 OUR CONSTITUTION should make the official languages of Israel – Hebrew and Arabic. Communities should no longer have the right to bar someone from a different community living in their midst, says the writer.