Continued Activity of the Institute
24/6/2007 The Floersheimer Institute for Policy Studies has launched its new framework "Floersheimer Studies" at The Institute of Urban and Regional Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. We continue to post new publications on our web site. In order to purchase paper copies please contact us through the telephone number or email address specified in the web site.

Conference on: Towards Municipal Elections - A Democratic Crisis? 11/5/2008 Will be held on July 1, 2008, the Meirsdorf Faculty Club, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Between 09:00-14:00  Download file  (62Kb)

Masry-Herzalla Asmahan

Jerusalem as an Internal Migration Destination for Palestinian-Israeli Single Women

This study focuses on the migration to Jerusalem by young
Palestinian-Israeli women from Arab localities in Israel and
on their eventual choice to settle in the city rather than
return to their native localities. The study examines the
considerations that determine their initial decision to
migrate to Jerusalem, usually for the purpose of studies or
employment. The characteristics of these young women are
examined, as are those unique characteristics of Jerusalem
as a migration-absorbing city. Their choice to reside in
neighborhoods within Jerusalem and shifts in their
socio-economic status resulting from the move are also
explored.

 Abstract

Razin Eran

City Center Revitalization and Retail Development in Israeli Local Authorities

 Abstract

Hasson Shlomo
and Maoz Yifat and Noam Shoval and Gonen Amiram and Khamaisi Rassem and Nasrallah Rami

Jerusalem in the Future: The Challenge of Transition

This book presents the complex reality of Jerusalem as a
divided city analyzed by six contributors. Shlomo Hasson
examines the territorial, social, economic, and political
devel-opments in Jerusalem and explores how they may affect
possible solutions to the problem of Jerusalem. Shlomo
Hasson and Rami Nasrallah explore the dif-ferent possible
futures that may be played out in the city due to the impact
of local, national, and international developments. Rassem
Khamaisi proposes the alleviation of the Palestinian plight
through the realization of the right to the city. Amiram
Gonen explores new ways of strengthening Jerusalem by
creating new contacts between Israelis and Palestinians.
Noam Shoval examines the morphology of the city and the
impact of the security barrier on everyday life. Ifat Maoz
presents survey data on public opinion regarding different
solutions to the problem of Jerusalem.

 Abstract

Gonen Amiram

Connected and Strengthened Jerusalem

This essay presents a vision of a strengthened Jerusalem
that can hopefully endure any geopolitical scenario.  In
order to achieve this goal several strategic steps are
essential, all  to be accompanied by a growing involvement
of the central government of Israel in the affairs of the
city and its surrounding region, so as to not only allocate
generously resources to support housing, employment and
infrastructure but also generate planning tools that enable
urban development. All the strategies suggested in this
essay share the notion of connectedness.

 Abstract

Khamaisi Rassem

Between Customs and Laws Planning and Management of Land in Arab Localities in Israel

This study examines the customs and social accommodations
governing Arab society on issues of land management, among
them: identifying boundaries, parceling land, land uses and
land holding. All these developed in a rural society in
which land passed on from one generation to the next. The
development of land legislation in Israel and its impacts on
land management under conditions of urbanization are also
examined. The differences between the two systems (customs
versus regulations) from social, economic, cultural and
political aspects and considers their planning implications
on land uses and spatial development.

 Abstract

Kliot Nurit
and Shmueli Devorah and Khamaisi Rassem

Views and Perceptions of the Separation Fence in Jewish and Arab Localities

This study presents the views and perceptions of Arab and
Jewish residents on the separation fence built in proximity
to or actually on the "Green Line," as a result of
the brutal terrorist attacks conducted by Palestinian
organizations against Jewish localities. The study is based
on interviews with residents of Arab and Jewish localities
near and west of the "Green Line". In these
interviews the researchers sought the plethora of views,
conceptions, feelings, experiences and their analysis as to
the impact of the separation fence on residents.

 Abstract

Abu-Asbah Khaled

The Arab Education in Israel: Dilemmas of a National Minority

This study examines collective educational rights within the
framework of an in-depth review of the relations between the
Jewish majority and the Arab-Palestinian minority in Israel.
The study offers examples of minority educational systems
elsewhere, highlighting similarities and differences between
them and the Arab-Palestinian minority. The study also
touches upon the investment in resources and the
commensurate achievements as well as on the organizational
framework of the Arab educational system in Israel.

 Abstract

Hasson Shlomo

Between Nationalism and Democracy: Scenarios on Majority and Minority Relations in Israel

This study examines the relationship between nationalism and
democracy in Israel and offers several scenarios on the
issue of future relations between the Jewish majority and
the Arab minority in Israel. The study focuses on the
following cardinal questions:
* What is the ratio between nationalism and democracy in Israel?
* What are the factors shaping this ratio in Israel?
* What are the possible scenarios on the issues of nationalism and democracy and minority-majority relations in Israel?
* What can be done in light of the future possibilities described in the scenarios?

 Abstract

Hasson Shlomo

The Local Democratic Deficit: A Seeming Democracy?

Proceedings from the session on democratic deficit in the
Second Annual Conference on Local Government of the School
of Governance and Policy at Tel Aviv University.

 Abstract

Razin Eran

Redistributing Municipal Revenues: Financial measures and Territorial Modifications

This publication presents the proceedings from a seesion at
the Second Annual Conference on Local Governance of the
School of Governance and Policy at Tel Aviv University.
Although the various papers included do not reflect the full
range of ideas on redistributing revenues, they served as a
basis for discussion during the conference.

 Abstract

Hasson Shlomo
and Karayanni Michael

Barriers to Equality: the Arabs in Israel

This book deals with two main questions: what are the
barriers to the equality and the development of the Arabs in
Israel? and how can the effect of these barriers be reduced?
The picture presented by the book is that despite certain
improvements in the social area, especially in the area of
education, the inequality between Jews and Arabs remains as
it was.  The book offers a preliminary background for the
analysis of the fundamental barriers preventing equality
between Arabs and Jews in Israel.

 Abstract

Arieli Shaul

Injustice and Folly: On the Proposals to Cede Arab Localities from Israel to Palestine (Arabic)

Proposals to cede Arab localities from Israeli to
Palestinian sovereignty, presented as "populated land
exchanges", involve forcibly revoking the citizenship
of tens of thousands of Arabs. Since the October 2000 events
these proposals penetrated the heart of public discourse.
The Arab leadership and public vehemently oppose these
proposals. This study examines the Jewish discourse
supporting the idea alongside Arab opposition to it in
Israel and the territories as well as its implications on
the character of the State of Israel. It examines Israeli
and international legal perspectives and demographic and
territorial implications. The study emphasizes the danger
and folly of this idea and recommends discussing the idea as
part of the Arab-Jewish discourse and as part of the status
of the Arab minority in a democratic Jewish state.

 Abstract

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Arieli Shaul

Injustice and Folly: On the Proposals to Cede Arab Localities from Israel to Palestine

Proposals to cede Arab localities from Israeli to
Palestinian sovereignty, presented as "populated land
exchanges", involve forcibly revoking the citizenship
of tens of thousands of Arabs. Since the October 2000 events
these proposals penetrated the heart of public discourse.
The Arab leadership and public vehemently oppose these
proposals. This study examines the Jewish discourse
supporting the idea alongside Arab opposition to it in
Israel and the territories as well as its implications on
the character of the State of Israel. It examines Israeli
and international legal perspectives and demographic and
territorial implications. The study emphasizes the danger
and folly of this idea and recommends discussing the idea as
part of the Arab-Jewish discourse and as part of the status
of the Arab minority in a democratic Jewish state.

 Abstract

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Arieli Shaul
and Schwartz Doubi and Tagari Hadas

Injustice and Folly: On the Proposals to Cede Arab Localities from Israel to Palestine

Proposals to cede Arab localities from Israeli to
Palestinian sovereignty, presented as "populated land
exchanges", involve forcibly revoking the citizenship
of tens of thousands of Arabs. Since the October 2000 events
these proposals penetrated the heart of public discourse.
The Arab leadership and public vehemently oppose these
proposals. This study examines the Jewish discourse
supporting the idea alongside Arab opposition to it in
Israel and the territories as well as its implications on
the character of the State of Israel. It examines Israeli
and international legal perspectives and demographic and
territorial implications. The study emphasizes the danger
and folly of this idea and recommends discussing the idea as
part of the Arab-Jewish discourse and as part of the status
of the Arab minority in a democratic Jewish state.

 Abstract

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Dahan Itzhak

Political Cultures in Development Towns

This study examines the world views, ideologies, traditions,
norms and social and cultural networks prevalent in
development towns among various protagonists and groups –
governmental and civic. The study highlights the crossroads,
conflict and junctures which develop in a tenuous social
field, and offers decision-makers an alternative strategy in
light of this cultural and political labyrinth.

 Abstract

Razin Eran
and Hazan Anna

Redistributing Municipal Wealth in Israel: Reducing Inequalities in the Revenues of Local Authorities

This study analyzes options for redistributing revenues from
local taxes and levies on non-residential real estate among
local authorities, with the aim of reducing fiscal
disparities among local authorities.
The study recommends considering the implementation of
alternatives at the local and regional levels, with clearly
defined limits on conditions that permit revenue
redistribution without the consent of involved parties.
Implications in the direction of strengthening local
government or concentration of power in the hands of
government ministries depends on the manner of
implementation: imposition subject to restraint and clear
constraints, in which the central state is considered to be
a fair broker, or an arena for bitter conflicts and for
controversial decisions that are largely motivated by the
need to alleviate short-term fiscal problems of the central
state.

 Abstract

Cohen Bezalel

Economic Hardship and Gainful Employment in haredi Society in Israel: An Insider's Perspective

The author of this study, Rabbi Bezalel Cohen is a graduate
of the Lithuanian yeshiva world. From an insider’s
perspective and through his involvement in advancing
employment in ultra-orthodox society, he offers an analysis
of the inherent economic deficiency and its root causes,
chief among which is the issue of employment. The analysis
raises a series of conceptual and inherent barriers in
ultra-orthodox society, which  impede the transition of
Haredi men, hitherto engaged in Torah study, into the labor
market.

The study proposes a series of steps to advance the issue of
employment in ultra-orthodox society, leaning on its
spiritual and organizational infrastructure and on the
cultural and religious values guiding it.  

 Abstract

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Gonen Amiram

Between Torah Learning and Earning: A Society of Learners and Providers in London

This study focuses on the correlation between Torah studies
and employment in the ultra-orthodox community in London.
The findings show that around two thirds of Haredi men work,
usually in real estate, commerce or teaching, by contrast to
the situation in Israel where the rate is around a third. It
appears that London’s ultra-orthodox men seek balances
between Torah studies and employment, which manifest
themselves in the following categories: A full-time scholar
who devotes his entire time to study; a part time scholar
engaged in random employment during vacations; a part-time
scholar who divides his time equally between study and
employment; a breadwinning scholar who works and determines
his own study schedule. But for all, the commitment to study
remains an integral part of Haredi life.

 Abstract

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