The Identity and Public Policy Program provides students with in-depth knowledge and strategic tools for analyzing fundamental questions regarding public policy in Israel, while cultivating Jewish and Zionist thought. Additionally, the program gives students the personal skills necessary for their future roles in the public and/or intellectual sphere. All this makes for a truly meaningful and transformative student experience.

 Why "Identity and Public Policy"?

Appropriate decision-making regarding questions of policy must be grounded in a proper understanding of the ideological and cultural infrastructure on which policies are based. Examination of the basic concepts that constitute the public discourse in Israel, while studying the identity components of society, forms a significant part in the development of national leadership which can effectively lead Israeli society.

The program consists of four terms, totaling over 400 academic hours (the equivalent of an MA in Israel), and covers the following study units:

The State of Israel: Particularism vs. Universalism

Israel and the Middle East: Defensiveness vs. Proactivity

Israel and the International Community: a threat to world peace or a light unto the nations?

The Necessary Infrastructure and Processes Toward a Just Society

Each study unit consists of various courses including religious and national movements; Israeli literature; basic concepts in Jewish tradition; political psychology; governmental systems; democracy and freedom; international human rights law; the Arab world; Islamic culture, politics and terrorism; the media and public discourse; army and security issues; Israel’s judiciary; Israel–U.S. relations; foreign policy and the international community; and global and national economy. Lectures are given by academics, public figures and top experts in these fields. Students are also given personal academic mentoring throughout their studies.

In addition to the rigorous academic program, tours are conducted throughout the country, highlighting strategic points; English language workshops are offered as well as public speaking workshops. The Center also runs leadership training and team building workshops, with the goal of improving interpersonal communication and developing creative thinking, risk-taking strategies and problem-solving skills. The JSC invests in these workshops as part of our strategy of building a cohesive social and professional community among the students, with well-developed relationships and the ability to function synergistically.