For the first time in history, Jewish fundamentalists hold the highest offices in Israel. Their goal? To reshape the country into a theocracy. What does that mean for democracy? What does that mean for American Jews? Dr. Tomer Persico and Yael Yechieli, the Deutsch Scholars-in-Residence, will lead a weekend of urgent conversations unpacking these questions.
Exploring Israel’s Future isn’t just another lecture series. It’s a wake-up call. If these fundamentalist politicians have their way, Israel will cease being a democracy. What happens next depends on whether these forces are resisted—and that’s where the discussion begins.
What’s happening this weekend
- Friday, Feb. 21: Shabbat dinner & dialogue – The crisis of liberalism in Israel and the U.S. How do politics, religion, and personal freedoms collide? What does it mean for democracy here and abroad?
- Saturday, Feb. 22: Morning session – The threat of Jewish fundamentalism in Israel. Dr. Persico explains how extremists in government are using the war as a pretext for political violence and how their vision of Israel as a theocracy is closer than many realize.
- Saturday afternoon: Salon gathering – What we Israelis have to say to American Jews. A candid conversation about evolving relationships and shared challenges.
- Sunday, Feb. 23: Israel 2025: A feminist perspective. Yael Yechieli shares insights from her work with the 5050 Initiative, pushing for equal female representation in Israeli decision-making.
Key insights from Dr. Tomer Persico
What is the current state of Jewish fundamentalism in Israel?
“I think Israel is at a crucial junction in that regard, as we now have for the first time Jewish fundamentalist extremists not only in our government but at its highest offices, and with that also holding Prime Minister Netanyahu dependent on them for remaining in power. They are very clearly anti-liberal and indeed anti-democratic, holding a vision of Israel as a theocracy. Moreover, they have an interest not only in prolonging the current war but in committing unimaginable atrocities towards the Palestinians, both in Gaza and in the West Bank. If they have their way, Israel will cease being a democracy.”
How does fundamentalist religion impact society?
“Fundamentalist religion is, at its core, a severe narrowing down of a specific tradition. As a theological strategy for maintaining faith in the modern world, and under a pretext of a call for authenticity of belief and submission to God’s will, a certain religion will be stripped down to its ‘fundamentals’ (hence the name), thus precluding any other dimension or interpretation. Not ‘seventy faces to the Torah’ but only one. Ours. Moreover, that one face will be unavoidably illiberal. That’s because fundamentalism’s whole game is setting itself as an alternative to modernity, as an ‘authentic’ tradition, true to its past, that is opposed to modern values.”
What do American Jews misunderstand about Israeli fundamentalism?
“I think Jewish Americans tend to belittle the danger posed by Israeli fundamentalist politicians such as Smotrich and Ben-Gvir. They assume, perhaps, that they won’t act on their plans for Israel, that in the end, they are good Zionists or that they can be reasoned with. This presents a complete misunderstanding of fundamentalism. They have to be resisted and stopped.”
Why should American Jews care about this issue?
“I think American Jews are part of these struggles, in as much as they also wish to have the freedoms and rights the Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox have in Israel. The contention over the right to pray at the Wailing Wall is a case in point. Israelis, of course, want to pray there freely, but also Reform and Conservative Jews. Or the right to be registered as married in Israel, not through the Chief Rabbinate. We all want that.”
What can history teach us about religious extremism in Israel?
“Whenever we were sovereign in Israel, each time extremists and zealots had their way, it ended in disaster.”
Where does Israel stand today?
“We are at a terrible crossroads that will decide the fate of the country. We are at a low point and need to change direction. The war needs to end, and our democracy needs to be strengthened. I fear our current government wants to prolong the war (if not worse – see answer 1) but to weaken Israel’s democracy. Both spell unimaginable disaster for our country.”
What gives you hope?
“What gives me hope, again and again, are the wonderful people in Israel. Over the past two years, the people of Israel have shown unbelievable courage, drive, and strength. First in weekly mass protests against the judicial overhaul attempted by the government, forming a civic movement unprecedented in any democratic country. Hundreds of thousands of people were in the streets weekly, for an entire year. Then came the war, and Israeli citizens again showed their bravery and resolve, some in the battlefield, and some through numerous organizations and activities meant to help the war effort and the victims of the terrible attack on 10/7. I can’t express how much I love and admire the Israeli public, and I know we have the power to mend and renew Israel.”
Why you should be there
“If they have their way, Israel will cease being a democracy.” – Dr. Tomer Persico
This isn’t just another discussion. It’s an opportunity to understand what’s happening now—and what’s at stake. With Israel facing major political and social shifts, this weekend offers a chance to hear from experts, ask big questions, and engage in real, urgent dialogue.
RSVPs are appreciated at https://sestl.co/future
