About Us

The Israel Law and Liberty Forum is a new movement of lawyers, judges, students, and other individuals who are interested in Israeli law and policy. The Forum advances a legal worldview based on four core principles: the separation of powers, judicial restraint, individual liberty, and limited government.

Judicial Restraint

It is the province and duty of the judiciary to say what the law is, not what it ought to be.

Separation of Powers

The legislative branch makes law; the executive branch implements law; the judiciary adjudicates cases and controversies arising from the law.

Individual Liberty

The foundations of a free society – due process, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, property rights, the right to privacy, freedom of employment and contract, and freedom of conscience.

Limited Government

The essential function of government is to enable and protect the liberty of its citizens.

Why Was the Forum Established?

Over the past several decades, questions unsettled since Israel’s founding have come to the fore in struggles over law and governance. Israel’s elected branches are fragmented and unstable, and constitutional issues affecting national security, economic concerns are increasingly settled by an overwhelmingly powerful legal system insulated from public preference. On matters relating to the judiciary, the foundations of democratic regimes, and the proper relationship between individual and state, modern Israeli public discourse often advances judicial supremacy while minimizing the opportunity for political compromise and accountability. But many concerned citizens, and specifically many jurists, believe in an alternative set of ideas. The Forum was established to serve as a platform for engagement by and with these ideas and thinkers within Israel’s legal profession, and more broadly.

There is a broad consensus in Israeli society that systemic reform is needed to secure our shared future – and the Forum is committed to promoting thoughtful dialogue and ideas as to what shape that reform should take. In the interest of building a flourishing, prosperous, and secure Israeli society, we aim to foster richer dialogue in academic scholarship, media analysis, and political discussion.

The Forum does not take specific policy positions, nor is it a partisan or political body.

Who Are We?

Read about our staff and our Israeli and international advisory boards.

How Can You Get Involved?

We are proud to say that many of our activities are initiated and run by dedicated volunteers who connect with our mission. For those in Israel, the first way of getting involved is to join as a member so that you can stay updated on our events and keep in touch with us. Second, please encourage as many other people interested in our mission to sign up as well. For those outside of Israel, please be sure to sign up for our English-language newsletter so that you can stay posted and participate in the dynamic discussions, debates, and interviews we are producing on timely questions in law.

We are also proud to offer specific local opportunities to help bring together our community around shared values and discussion. Students are welcome to attend our national law student symposium, and to apply to our annual seminar on Law and Democracy. If relevant, you may also apply for membership in our exclusive debate societies so far established Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, Reichmann University, and Bar-Ilan University. Professional attorneys, whether in the public or private sector, are invited to contact us about their interest in joining professional chapter meetings in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Doctoral students and legal academics are also welcome to be in touch regarding special networking opportunities in their field, in Israel and internationally.

You are always invited to contact us with any questions or ideas you might have, to join any of our upcoming events, and to “Like” our Facebook page.