Floersheimer Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
24/6/2007 Floersheimer Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, is a research unit operating under the auspices of the Institute for Urban and Regional Studies and is the successor of the Floersheimer Institute for Policy Studies which operated in Jerusalem from 1991 through the initiative and continuing support of Dr. Stephen H. Floersheimer.

Floersheimer Studies continues to publish academic research in the realm of social sciences in Israel, focusing on such issues as central and local government relations; spatial planning; disparities between local authorities and more. All our publications are freely available from our web site.

A Call for Research Proposals 26/1/2009 A Call for Research Proposals in relevant fields of research of Florsheimer Studies at the Hebrew University. Please see details in the attachment (Hebrew file). Download file  (81Kb)

Dahan Itzhak

A Local Leader - A Mechanism of Change in the Periphery: Yeruham 1983-2006

This study compares between two regional leaders of the
peripheral town of Yeruham over three decades. Its findings
show that leaders who operated under similar economic,
geographical and cultural conditions, embodied very diverse
types of leadership. The comparison manifested various
perspectives and channels of influence: the community
vision, the socio-political concept, funding strategies and
most particularly the style and modus operandi with both the
local population and the national concentrations of power.
Factors associated with the character and image of the
leader impacted directly on local development and on the
quality of services as well as on shifts in the political
culture of Yeruham's residents.

 Abstract

Kark Ruth
and Galilee Emir and Feuerstein Tamar

Independence and Entrepreneurship Among Arab Muslim Rural and Bedouin Women In Israel

This study attempts to evaluate the degree of independence
and entrepreneurship among a group of Arab Muslim women,
rural and Bedouin, and their own viewpoints on issues
relating to independence, entrepreneurship, economic
involvement and their social and legal status against a
background of a changing global economy.

 Abstract

Sigal Rasis
and Applebaum Levia

Legal Aspects of Structural Adjustments in Israel's Rural Local Government

This study examines the role of the judiciary in the process
of change which has taken place during the last three
decades in the legal foundation and function of rural local
government in Israel.

 Abstract

Hazan Anna
and Razin Eran

Personal Liability in Local Government in Israel: Unlawful Expenditure and Repay

In recent years personal liability in local government has
become a major issue in central-local government relations
as well as in the public discourse. Its main thrust is a
focus on ingraining norms of good governance in the public
sector in general and in local government in particular.
This publication serves as a foundation for an academic
discussion on the issue.

 Abstract

Horne Ron

Disparities in Local Property Tax: Trends and an International Perspective

This study examines the distribution of the local property
tax (Arnona) burden in Israel by analyzing the household
expenditure surveys for the years 1997-2005. A new
analytical approach reveals the advantages and flaws of the
current taxation system in order to propose improving
measures of the existing mechanism.

 Abstract

Dror Moshe

Public Participation in Cultural Issues: The Perspective of Decision-Makers The Case of Ashdod

This study examines the perspectives of decision-makers in
the city of Ashdod concerning public participation in
cultural issues, against the background of various active
models of participatory democracy in Israel and overseas.
Activating a model of participatory democracy significantly
enhances the involvement of citizens in the democratic
process, to their own advantage. It is important to create a
mechanism that will enable citizens to realize their needs
and desires by applying their capacity to influence or take
part in decision-making processes.
The choice of Ashdod, the fifth largest city in Israel, is
not arbitrary in light of the numerous waves of migration
which form its residential fabric and generate contrasting
cultural needs.

 Abstract

Gonen Amiram

Linking Jerusalem to the Global Economy of Higher Education

The idea to position Jerusalem as a center of educational
services in the global economy is the main thrust of this
policy paper. It is founded on the city’s own past
achievement in higher education and on its future potential.
Educational services around the world have increasingly
become more “globalized” and students move across boundaries
and often great distances in order to get the right kind of
service in terms of quality and price.
With increased globalization the English language has
assumed become the main language of instruction. Its
predominant role in exporting educational services has
spurred universities to offer teaching services in English
to overseas students and thus avail them of this growing
global market. In order to realize its potential for
exporting higher educational services Jerusalem must do the
same.

 Abstract

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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

Retail development is a critical element in development
strategies of local authorities. Its significance relates
not only to its contribution to the municipal tax base, but
also to its considerable contribution to the functioning of
the urban system and to quality of life. Transformations in
retail development in Israel create opportunities for the
initiative of local authorities aspiring to encourage local
development, including innovations that are not merely
replication of successful projects of adjacent local
authorities. Such initiative depends on familiarity with
what is desired and what is possible in retail development:
success of retail centers is extremely sensitive both to
location and internal features. Such awareness is critical
also to planners at the local and district levels. The
policy papers included in the collection discuss approaches
to the development and management of retail in local
authorities, and refer both to city center revitalization
and to new suburban shopping centers. Effective policy must
be based on proper understanding of the nature of demand for
retail services, of development patterns that contribute
most to the urban fabric and of organizational structures
for downtown revitalization

 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

Nasrallah Rami

Is A Viable Democratic Palestine Possible? Future scenarios for Palestine

In this publication Nasrallah sets out to explore whether or
not a democratic Palestinian State is possible. To answer
the question he analyses the events and processes within the
PA since Arafat's death, and pays special attention to the
rise to power of Hamas and its impact on the political and
social system. Following this analysis he presents three
scenarios: Total Collapse, National Consensus and Building a
Viable State, and The Impasse

 Abstract

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

Jerusalem in the Future: The Challenge of Transition

This publication presents the complex reality of Jerusalem
as a divided city analyzed by six contributors. Shlomo
Hasson examines the territorial, social, economic, and
political developments in Jerusalem and explores how they
may affect possible solutions to the problem of Jerusalem.
Shlomo Hasson and Rami Nasrallah explore the different
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

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

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

Anshel Pfefer

The Origins and Future Course of the National - Haredi Public

In the last two decades the National-Haredi (ultra-orthodox)
community has become a central part of the religious public
in Israel. This research shows how the national-haredi
community recently identifies with extreme right wing
political trends and is often reviewed in the general media.
Despite that, it has neither been clearly defined nor has it
justified an in-depth examination of its cultural, social
and spiritual characteristics.
This research is a first attempt of its kind to define the
characteristics of this group, highlight significant
milestones in its development and the way in which it
influenced the religious public and its relationship with
the Israeli public at large. It analyzes the transformations
witnessed by the religious public which gave rise to this
phenomenon, as well as endeavors to predict its future
course.

 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

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

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

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

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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Arieli Shaul

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

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 (Arab)

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

 Download Publication (553Kb)

Garb Yaakov
and Savitch Hank

Urban Trauma in Jerusalem, Impacts and Possibilities for Recovery

 Abstract

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