Israeli democracy is going through a rough patch: A severe crisis of confidence in public institutions, deep political and social polarization, increasing violence in public discourse, and a sense of alienation among large segments of the public. Precisely in this period of crisis and uncertainty, the Training Center "The Awakener attaches paramount importance to courageous, honest, and values-based education for Israeli democracy. Education that does not hesitate to look reality in the eye and invites participants to take an active and responsible part in it. What makes our approach unique is our willingness to speak eye to eye with both young people and adults alike. – About protests, controversial issues, wars, and crises. We invite participants to tackle the social complexities of our times by learning about reality, examining conflicting positions, personal processing, group discussion, and value-based reflection.
Our activities seek to restore a sense of trust in national resilience and shared civic space by strengthening solidarity, providing experiences in managing disputes, building a sense of capacity for change, and developing dialogue and listening skills in a reality of polarization and radicalization.
As part of the educational process, we address the socio-economic gaps that deepen feelings of alienation, and the tensions between different populations, between the center and the periphery, and more. We do so with the understanding that human equality and social justice are essential conditions for the existence of a vibrant and healthy democracy. We strive to reestablish concepts such as stateness, partnership, and civic responsibility as practical and binding values, rather than empty slogans.
Delving into Israel's democratic identity invites a profound examination of values, belonging, rights, controversy, and partnership. The Ma'or programs deal with the fundamental principles of democracy. – Rule of law, majority rule, protection of minority rights, pluralism, social justice, and equality – values upon which the Declaration of Independence was based and which still guide us today, connecting them to the Israeli and personal contexts of the participants with the aim of stimulating critical thinking and strengthening commitment to values.
In an era of superficial, polarized, and label-saturated public discourse, We strive to foster deep and respectful dialogue—one based on sincere listening, moral courage, and dealing with complexity. The goal is to educate active citizens who have a sense of belonging and a desire to shape Israeli society with responsibility and vision in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence.