We'll watch a video presentation by Israeli Knesset Member Aida Touma-Sliman who explains and analyzes the law’s impact. Followed by discussion. No charge. Light Refreshments

Background. In July, a slim majority of Israel's parliament (the Knesset) passed a "Basic Law" that defines Israel as "the Nation-State of the Jewish people." The law has constitutional authority. Its full-text fits on a single page and is deliberately vague and ambiguously worded to obscure its intent.

The law provoked immediate widespread criticism inside and outside Israel—including from many American Jewish organizations that have strongly supported Israel. On September 16, a diverse group of Boston’s prominent Jewish civic and religious leaders condemned the law in a Globe advertisement.

Aida Touma Sliman was elected to the Knesset in 2015 as a member of the Joint List, an alliance with Balad, the United Arab List and Ta'al parties. She was unanimously elected to head the Knesset's Committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality. A prominent feminist activist, she founded the Women Against Violence Association and is the former editor-in-chief of Al-Ittihad newspaper.