1. The End of Hegemony

2. Israel’s hegemonic secular Zionist metaculture has declined and a counterculture

3. The decomposition of hegemony The intertwining processes of occupation of the “holy sites” and mounting religiosity led to the first stage of partial and incremental breakup of hegemonic culture and crystallization of new countercultures.

4. “3” competing Jewish counterculture Israel as a Jewish state, ruled by the Orthodox Jewish religious code (Halacha) Israel as a liberal, secular, and civic state for all its present Jewish and Arab citizens Traditionalist culture Non-Jewish counterculture Russian, Ethiopean

5. Secularism Definition: “An ideology, or system of beliefs, that sees individuals and collectives as responsible for their own fate and destiny without the intervention of any transcendental power,” (Kimmerling, 115).

6. Characteristics of Secularism Belief in human reason Naturalization of the super natural Rationality – Institutionalized by science Constructive and destructive forces are determined by human traits and ability to make rational decisions. Inclusive nature – Secularism can integrate a plurality of cultures and religions Historically connected to upper class (Ashkenazi) – Religion seen as “a necessity to discipline the masses and agnosticism…the privilege of the elite,” (Kimmerling, 116).

7. Religious Symbols in Zionist Movement Bible – National History – Holy Text Hebrew – Promoted by secular groups

8. Secularism in Society Emphasis on individual values and rights – Under Zionism secularism put the state at the center, but not after the decomposition of the Zionist hegemony. Perceived as a disintegration of Israeli society – Critics believe that secularism lacks any authentic culture.

10. Religious Zionism Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook 1920s taught that the return of Jews to Israel would lead to the return of the Messiah. Viewed secular Jews as “tools”

11. Gush Emunim Formed between the wars in 1967 and 1973 Encouraged the settlement of Judea and Samaria Established religious communities

12. Gush Emunim Impact Attracted many religious Jews spurred on by religious rhetoric Attracted secular Jews who sought to be “chalutzim” Attracted Jews immigrating to Israel

13. Religionization Increase in immigrants from Africa and Asia Lack of socialist background Religious youth entering the army Religious nature of national aspects Hebrew Holidays Kashrut

14. Each counterculture possesses rules of behaviour that obligation certain groups of people in the state. Has institutional and political infrastructures that sustain the behaviors related to their distinct belief systems, develop them, and redefine some of their manifestations, content, and social boundaries