Gender has emerged as a key point of contention in Israeli society and culture, creating new divisions within Israel and accentuating old ones. Among the issues that have risen to consciousness are those of space, religion, politics and ethnicity.
Arguments over access to public space has stimulated awareness of gendered power relations, whether this occurs over the Kotel, or segregated seating in buses, or concepts of modesty for women on the streets. Religious activists have pursued a political agenda to extend Jewish religious norms into the public sphere. Meanwhile, Israel becomes increasingly diverse society along ethnic and national lines, with minorities and foreign workers seeking resources and recognition.

This symposium explores analysis of these issues as expressed in works of art, literature and film as well as within the political realm. It pays attention to the politicization of culture in Israeli society and some of the key fault lines around gender.