"In Conversation" Series
Lecturer:
Prof. Eugene Kandel (Hebrew University)
Title:
Resilient Israel: The Urgent Case for a Structural Reform
Abstract:
Israel is at a critical turning point. Without deep structural reform, Israel is likely to become unsustainable within 10-15 years. Four accelerating threats are pushing Israel toward a breaking point:
1. Social Collapse due to the intense conflict among groups protecting their values.
2. Economic Collapse caused by unsustainable growing subsidies.
3. A Structurally Ineffective Government that is not strategic, fails to manage risks, and cannot execute on time, making it unfit to address Israel’s challenges.
4. Security Crisis: the three failures above weaken Israel’s ability to defend itself.
These threats challenge the very existence of Israel as an independent state over the next decade or so, as they may result in a mass exodus of Israel’s most productive populations, who lose hope for their future in Israel. Such an event will devastate Israel’s tax base and leave it unable to finance and defend itself. Eliminating this threat must become the top priority of every Israeli and every person worldwide who cares about Israel’s existence.
It is painfully clear that the system of governance in Israel is the MAIN CAUSE of all the abovementioned failures. A structural governance system reform is essential to ensure Israel’s survival and prosperity. Such reform must allow all groups in Israeli society to live without fear of economic coercion or threats to their most cherished values, fostering a collaborative and cohesive society. History shows that lasting stability is only possible when all groups feel secure in their values, identity, and property.
Questions we will discuss:
1. Why structural reform is essential?
2. What kind of reform? What are the guiding principles?
3. What is the theory of change?
Short Bio:
Eugene holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Chicago. For 27 years he served as a Professor of Economics and Finance at the Hebrew University and previously taught at premier universities in the US. His expertise is in Innovation, Economic Policy and Financial Markets.
Eugene serves as the Chairman of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. In addition to serving on several boards, he chairs two non-profits that help strengthen Israel’s economic and social resilience. Previously Kandel was the CEO of Startup Nation Central, an NGO that promotes Israeli technological innovation around the world.
In 2009-15 Kandel served as the Head of the National Economic Council and the Economic Advisor to the PM of Israel, actively shaping the economic strategy and policies. He advises governments, financial institutions, and non-profit organizations.
Location:
Eilat Hall, Feldman Building, Second Floor, Edmond Safra Campus.