People are the heart of the home, and they plant and nurture the democratic value-based culture.
From the heart of society to the heart of the democratic home
The research identified four conditions required for a sustainable democratic culture and, from these, defined civic life along three dimensions: forming a position, living by values, and civic engagement. Fulfilling these dimensions requires civic-value tools — knowledge, values, and skills — which serve as an internal compass for civic action. In addition, effective educational practices were identified that strengthen individuals’ ability and motivation to live in accordance with these three dimensions and promote a democratic culture.
The Dimensions
The research found that civic life in a democratic society unfolds across three main dimensions — forming a position, living by values, and civic engagement. Each dimension is broken down into concrete applications within each of the conditions of the “Israeli Democratic Home.”
Understanding public realities, critically analyzing information, identifying biases and threats to the foundations of democracy, and forming well-reasoned positions based on human rights and the common good.
Applying democratic values and principles in daily life, such as respect for the law, appreciation of cultural diversity, a sense of shared responsibility, and mutual solidarity even in times of disagreement.
Acting for the public good — participating in public discourse, engaging in proactive and non-violent efforts to promote equality and rights, leading partnerships and intergroup dialogue even in times of crisis, and taking personal and communal responsibility.
Acting for the public good — participating in public discourse, engaging in proactive and non-violent efforts to promote equality and rights, leading partnerships and intergroup dialogue even in times of crisis, and taking personal and communal responsibility.
Civic Engagement
Applying democratic values and principles in daily life, such as respect for the law, appreciation of cultural diversity, a sense of shared responsibility, and mutual solidarity even in times of disagreement.
Living by Values
Understanding public realities, critically analyzing information, identifying biases and threats to the foundations of democracy, and forming well-reasoned positions based on human rights and the common good.
Forming a Position
The Tools
For Israeli democracy to function not merely as a system of laws and institutions, but as a civic-value culture and way of life, it is essential to internalize values such as equality, liberty, tolerance, mutual respect, and civic responsibility — and to live by them in daily decisions and interactions. The research identifies a core leading value for each condition of the “Israeli Democratic Home.”
To cultivate awareness and responsibility for democratic values, solid knowledge is required: foundational democratic concepts, familiarity with institutions and mechanisms, and understanding of local and global historical issues as well as democratic crises, weaknesses, and threats. Local knowledge aspects — Israel’s governing institutions, the Jewish-democratic character of the state, the history of Israeli democracy, the Declaration of Independence, and the diversity of social groups — are central components. The research defines the body of knowledge required for each condition of the “Israeli Democratic Home.”
To be true partners in the Israeli Democratic Home, individuals need social and cognitive skills, alongside civic-political awareness and a sense of efficacy and agency. The research identifies nine core skills required for a sustainable democratic culture within the “Israeli Democratic Home.”
To fulfill the three dimensions, the research found that civic-value tools are required: learning and knowing (knowledge), identifying and aspiring (values), and behaving and acting (skills). Together, these serve as an internal compass for responsible civic action. Each tool is elaborated within the conditions of the “Israeli Democratic Home.”
Skills
To be true partners in the Israeli Democratic Home, individuals need social and cognitive skills, alongside civic-political awareness and a sense of efficacy and agency. The research identifies nine core skills required for a sustainable democratic culture within the “Israeli Democratic Home.”
Knowledge
To cultivate awareness and responsibility for democratic values, solid knowledge is required: foundational democratic concepts, familiarity with institutions and mechanisms, and understanding of local and global historical issues as well as democratic crises, weaknesses, and threats. Local knowledge aspects — Israel’s governing institutions, the Jewish-democratic character of the state, the history of Israeli democracy, the Declaration of Independence, and the diversity of social groups — are central components. The research defines the body of knowledge required for each condition of the “Israeli Democratic Home.”
Values
For Israeli democracy to function not merely as a system of laws and institutions, but as a civic-value culture and way of life, it is essential to internalize values such as equality, liberty, tolerance, mutual respect, and civic responsibility — and to live by them in daily decisions and interactions. The research identifies a core leading value for each condition of the “Israeli Democratic Home.”
The Research Proposes a Map of Educational Practices
Practices Map
To repair and strengthen the Israeli Democratic Home amid its fractures, the research offers a map of educational practices – a practical tool outlining research-based pathways to advance civic-democratic culture in Israel through education.
