We live in a divided society. Divisions between Jews and Arabs, between religious and secular Jews, between Left and Right, and between haves and have-nots undermine social solidarity and imperil the legitimacy of the State. The Israel Democracy Institute is committed to building a bridge of ideas across the fault lines of Israeli society, thereby creating the intellectual infrastructure for a future of coexistence.
Our researchers chart the ideological common ground shared by the various sectors of Israeli society. But we do more than just think about promoting social solidarity; we act to convene representatives from across the political and ideological spectrum so that they can debate the most sensitive issues in a civilized manner under a single roof. IDI is the only place in the world where Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, settlers and their opponents, army and society, majority and minorities, and representatives from the three branches of government and civil servants all meet regularly to discuss the most burning issues facing Israel today.