Most American coverage of Israel centers on the peace process. While security issues remain paramount, two other unresolved issues threaten Israeli democracy.

The NIForum 2006: Israel Beyond the Current Conflict: The Challenge of a Jewish and Democratic State, will address, in a day-long series of discussions, minority rights and the religion/state divide — both issues that go to the character of Israel in the twenty-first century, with some of the most intriguing Israeli and Diaspora thinkers. Journalists are welcome, with RSVP, on Sunday, February 12, 2006, at Lerner Hall at Columbia University, Broadway and W. 114th Street.

Speakers will include former Supreme Court Justice Dahlia Dorner; Floersheimer Institute deputy director Shlomo Hassan; founding Director of The Legal Center for Arab Rights Hassan Jabareen; Meir Nitzan, head of the North American Office, Jewish Agency for Israel; and Rabbi Miri Gold, who is litigating her right to become an “official” rabbi in her Israeli community despite her Reform affiliation. The sessions are designed to be creative, interactive and dynamic – and we expect more than 200 attendees to be involved in discussing these controversies.

WHAT: The NIForum 2006: Israel Beyond the Current Conflict: The Challenge of a Jewish and Democratic State
WHEN: Sunday, February 12, 2006, 9 am to 6 pm
WHERE: Columbia University, Lerner Hall, Broadway, New York City

MEDIA NOTE: NIF staff will arrange for individual interviews with speakers and participants as requested for both print and broadcast. Please RSVP to the contact listed above so that we can provide lunch and interview opportunities.