Conference Explores Role of 'Serving Intellectuals' in Israeli Society
תומצת מתוך Makor Rishon על ידי baba
A conference on "Serving Intellectuals" in Jerusalem explored the evolving role of intellectuals in Israeli society. Speakers debated whether intellectuals should build national myths or deconstruct them, with some advocating for a constructive, critical engagement. Organizers aimed to foster a model of the "serving intellectual" who contributes to society while maintaining integrity and pursuing truth, moving beyond divisive political dichotomies.
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- Conference explored the role of "serving intellectuals" in Israeli society.
- Keynote speaker Assaf Sagiv contrasted past myth-building intellectuals with modern deconstructive ones.
- Organizers defined "serving intellectuals" as loyal yet critical contributors.
- Oz Ben-Nun advocated for moving beyond the "Jews vs. Israelis" dichotomy.
- Benjamin Brown emphasized truth as the intellectual's primary loyalty.
- Alon Shalev noted Israel's human capital but societal deficits in cooperation.
A recent conference, titled "Intellectuals Serving," held at the Tzipori Center in Jerusalem Forest, aimed to redefine the role of intellectuals in contemporary Israeli society. The event, organized by the Orion Institute and the Ribua Center, brought together thinkers to discuss how intellectuals can contribute constructively to the nation's discourse and development.
Keynote speaker Dr. Assaf Sagiv outlined a historical shift where Israeli intellectuals moved from supporting the Zionist project to a more critical, often deconstructive stance. He contrasted past figures like Berl Katznelson and Natan Alterman, who he described as "priests of the national myth," with contemporary intellectuals who, in his view, often seek to dismantle rather than repair national narratives. Sagiv argued for a return to a poetic language that can rebuild foundational myths, moving beyond utilitarian or binary ideological discourse.
The man of the Orion Institute, from the Orion Institute, explained the concept of the "serving intellectual" as distinct from the "alienated intellectual" who collaborates with hostile elements, or the "intellectual by proxy" who blindly justifies political actions. He described the ideal serving intellectual as one who maintains internal integrity, remaining loyal to Israel and its heritage while maintaining a critical eye, thus not turning a blind eye to societal issues.
Oz Ben-Nun, CEO of the Ribua Center and a proponent of the "Alliance of Servants" concept, drew parallels to the conservative movement in the US and Israel. He emphasized the need to move beyond the thirty-year-old "Jews versus Israelis" dichotomy, which he believes has become outdated and hinders Israel's ability to face its challenges. Ben-Nun advocates for a return to a deeper, older tradition of commitment and belonging to a shared national project, akin to republicanism.
Professor Benjamin Brown of the Hebrew University presented a model of an intellectual's loyalties, triangulated between the public, the educated elite, and truth, asserting that truth should be the primary compass. Professor Dani Orbach, in a closing session, echoed the importance of serving society but cautioned against forgetting the primary duty of pursuing facts and truth.
Dr. Alon Shalev, another organizer, highlighted Israel's impressive human capital but noted a societal deficit in cooperation, compromise, and fostering social good. He posited that serving intellectuals are tasked with helping society understand its identity, aspirations, and the necessary virtues and frameworks for collective well-being.
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