Jewish nationalism – and not democracy – is the most important objective for Israel’s youth in 2010

Only 14.3% of young Israeli Jews see democracy as essential to Israel; while 26% of Jewish respondents said that Jewish nationality was the most important factor. The majority of Jewish youths emphasized the need for a strong leadership, over the rule of law. Close to half of Israel’s Jewish youth are supportive of the notion of revoking the basic political rights (such as election to the Knesset) of the country’s Arab population. As to whether Jews and Arabs could live side by side in the same neighborhoods, both communities said it was not desirable, and not important. Only a handful of respondents showed a willingness to do so.