Search Results (3)

Ethnic segregation, a global phenomenon shaping social dynamics, urban development, and political behavior, is typically studied between distinct racial or national groups. This study provides insights into internal divisions within seemingly unified populations by investigating intra-group segregation within Israel’s ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jewish communities. By analyzing Knesset voting patterns as a proxy for residential distribution, I quantify segregation between two major ethnic groups within the Haredi community and identify significant segregation across Haredi-majority cities and clusters. Dissimilarity indices reveal distinct voluntary segregation patterns, with the city of Ashdod emerging as a unique case study due to its dynamic segregation trends and an unexplained sharp decline in dissimilarity in 2021. A comparison with Black–White segregation in U.S. metro areas highlights differing drivers of segregation: cultural and religious dynamics in Haredi communities versus structural inequalities in the U.S. Despite relatively lower dissimilarity scores, cultural and institutional factors reinforce residential separation. This research underscores the need for continued exploration of segregation’s underlying drivers and its implications for fostering more cohesive societies. Full article

In recent decades, research on Haredi society has expanded significantly, emphasizing its distinctive characteristics in contrast with the broader Israeli social fabric. Commonly described as “separatist”, “secessionist”, “isolated”, and “an enclave”, Haredi society is often perceived as segregated from the rest of Israel’s population. However, recent studies suggest that this reclusiveness is a relatively recent development. Until the 1980s, most Haredim coexisted in mixed residential areas with secular, traditional, and national-religious populations. The employment rate among Haredi men was comparable to that of other Israelis, and secular subjects were part of the curriculum in Haredi schools. Moreover, many Haredi men served in the Israeli army and held a positive view of the state, celebrating its accomplishments. The contemporary concept of a “society of learners”, where many married men engage in yeshiva study while their wives serve as the main breadwinners, was once largely unacceptable within the community. Unlike earlier qualitative studies that documented the transformation of Haredi society, this article employs a quantitative approach to detail these changes. Through an analysis of residential patterns, education, military service, political influence, and the rise of the “society of learners”, this study provides a deeper understanding of the forces shaping contemporary Haredi society and explores potential future trajectories. Full article

“Israeli Hope in Academia” is a program, designed by the president of the state of Israel, Reuven Rivlin. The program is based on the perception that Israeli society is changing, from having a clear majority and several minorities to a society comprised of four principal sectors that are roughly similar in size: secular Jews, religious Jews, Haredi (ultra-orthodox) Jews and Arabs. The program acts to encourage a more diverse and culturally competent higher education system that promotes partnership. One of the means to achieve that goal is to create meaningful educational interactions between people from academia and the younger generation of these sectors. Over the past year, students from various faculties in the Holon Institute of Technology (HIT) took part in a course called “Green Ambassadors”, which corresponds with the “Israeli Hope” program. This course was considered an action learning course, which is a course that combines academic learning and social involvement that has an impact on the community. In order to illustrate the environmental topics and to achieve high participation levels of the pupils, the students created a mobile laboratory containing experiments and demonstrations in which the pupils took an active part. Thus, the course managed to make a significant impact on the community and achieve the goals set by the “Israeli Hope” program. This paper presents the “Israeli Hope” program, HIT and the “Green Ambassadors” course, as well as the methodology used to achieve the course’s goals. Finally, this paper will discuss the success levels of the course. Full article