Securitization through Education

Abstract Israel defines itself as a Jewish and democratic state. Although various groups have challenged its identity, it was only after 2009 that Jewish identity was presented by Israeli governments as facing a serious existential threat. Utilizing the concept of “securitization,” which frames an issue as an existential threat requiring extraordinary measures, this article examines the education system's role in securitizing Jewish identity in Israel. My argument is that public education serves as a powerful tool in this securitization, overlooked by studies on securitization or education in Israel. The result is a reduction in teachers’ and students’ ability to act according to their worldview, affecting not only the present but also future citizens’ civic skills needed in a democratic state.