Q&A: Cantonization of Israel
Cantonization of Israel
Question
During the period of protest and turmoil against the current government, Professor Carlo Strenger’s idea came up of cantonizing Israel, like they have in Switzerland –
https://www.haaretz.co.il/magazine/the-edge/2014-10-08/ty-article/.premium/0000017f-e979-d639-af7f-e9ff9ec20000?utm_source=App_Share&utm_medium=Android_Native&utm_campaign=Share
What does the Rabbi think about it? Is it realistic? Is it something worth trying to promote in public discourse? Does it have significant drawbacks?
Answer
It’s an idea I raised in my youth. There’s no point discussing this unrealistic fantasy. It won’t happen and can’t happen. And I’m sorry about that.
Discussion on Answer
There isn’t one.
You could transfer central government functions to local authorities, like education, health, and welfare, including their funding. It wouldn’t be full cantonization, but it would reduce a large part of the bitterness over the current Haredi welfare state.
Why a fantasy?
This policy is implemented in Switzerland, the U.S., Germany, and other countries. There’s no reason it couldn’t be implemented in Israel. It would greatly reduce the friction between the different populations.
Why do you think it’s a fantasy? What other solution is there to our being a very heterogeneous society with very large differences in values?