“Hopefully we’ll have a government by October…” were the words of the young Israeli woman guiding my tour of the Knesset yesterday.
She was attempting to explain the anomaly of an expired parliament who, in an unprecedented turn of events, are representing the will of the Israeli people.
Because Israel’s politics are a bit more complicated due to the fact one votes for a party, not an individual, I will be brief. Simply stated, Israel’s election in early April failed to produce a coalition and it was decided that a new election will be held in mid-September.
Our guide explains that each member of parliament is placed in the digital directory alphabetically with no regard to rank. Benjamin Netanyahu is pictured unceremoniously in the third row from the bottom, fourth from the right. As each individual enters the Knesset, the Usher on duty registers them into the system and their photograph turns from greyscale to color, indicating their on-site presence. Citizens are encouraged to look online for a record of their representative’s attendance.
A closer look at the attendance board reveals 11 members of parliament were in the building during my visit there on Thursday, June 27, 2019. Attendance is mandatory Monday through Wednesday, which may account for the low percentage.
The Knesset sits inside Gan Sacher park in central Jerusalem. A view of the terraced front faces south, which I enjoy each evening, illuminated in blue and white.
During my visit here this year, I have been blessed with wonderful accommodations. I experienced “shuk” life in Mehane Yehuda (NE of the park) and also the more sedate, suburban flavor of Rehavia to the south, with killer views of the Jerusalem skyline and gorgeous sunrises every morning.
Surrounded by cypress and scrub pines, the unassuming squat brown box that is Israel’s house of parliament resembles a child’s sand castle. This is a view from a trail I was walking along earlier this week.
It felt surreal to walk casually along these trails and suddenly encounter the ancient 11th century monastery.
From my 8th story balcony facing north, I am graced with amazing views of the Jerusalem skyline, including the Knesset. There is a lot of helicopter traffic to and from the private helipad, especially this week during the peace talks in Bahrain.
In a somewhat formidable approach, we were directed to show passports and receive a badge, then proceed to the security checkpoint where we submitted to a thorough search of our belongings. Keep in mind, a passport is required for the free tour available in multiple languages.
Crossing this wide open area between security and the front door, I felt the “eyes” of many security cameras upon me.
Finally inside, a gleaming space of polished marble floors and wonderfully cool air welcomed me and I began to relax and enjoy.
In this cavernous hall of dignitaries, known as the Chagall State Hall, are the various modernistic works of Marc Chagall. The three large tapestries are meant to describe the fatefulness of the Jewish people.
The left hand tapestry describes Jerusalem as the focus of the Jewish experience throughout its history: David, Ruth, and Bo’az, and the story of the spies; and the religious motif that deals with the Jewish holidays and the pilgrimage.
The central tapestry describes various events from the history of the people of Israel in the diaspora and the Holocaust. In addition we see Moses, Aaron and King David playing the harp. Behind him is the bride – the virgin of Israel.
This tapestry describes Jacob’s dream, the first covenant between Israel and its God, and the prophecy of Isaiah: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah, 11:6).
In Chagall Hall, children participate in some sort of a play involving shepherds and a king. My Hebrew was not sufficient to get the entire gist. There was lot going on with various tour groups speaking different languages.
After the hustle and bustle of Chagall Hall, I found the gleaming marble and wide open spaces very enjoyable. This hall contained many lovely artifacts and gifts from various visiting dignitaries.
I was amazed at the overall cleanliness and inspired by the quirkiness of some of the artwork.
Below is just one of the many cafe-style break rooms for the staffers. The smell of food cooking was tantalyzing!
Here we have a photo gallery of Israel Prize recipients. I have included just a few. Note the iconic Golda Meir on bottom row.
Today is Thursday, so the Plenum is not in use. Below is an actual photograph of a live session. Each member has an Ipad with which they vote. I’m told the pace is swift- when a vote is called, the MK can select the “For,” “Against,” or “Abstain” buttons on the touch screen. Immediately following a vote, the results are displayed on two large screens hanging from the ceiling of the Plenum hall.
Before I knew it, the hour-long tour was over and we wrapped it up in this large conference room. It is here public representatives bring their expert knowledge, in an effort to create mutual understanding and good will. The public is always encouraged to attend these sessions, as well.
So many thanks to this wonderful young woman for a truly informative and enlightening tour. Her patience and sense of humor were greatly appreciated! I found the Israeli system of government functional and extremely transparent. Feel free to comment below. Shalom!
Thank you for that amazing tour! I felt like I was almost there and I did have to fight off a touch of envy!
Maria, it was really eye-opening… Thanks for your support and comments. L’heetra’ot!
Neat!
Good info!!