Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism



My life before BGU:​

I got all three of my degrees, bachelor’s, master’s and PhD, at the Faculty of Law at Tel Aviv University. Then I went on to postdocs at the Minerva Center for the Rule of Law under Extreme Conditions at the University of Haifa and at the Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism.


Why BGU?

Because of its excellence, creativity, and academic level. Joining the faculty of the Ben-Gurion Research Institute is a dream come true in many ways. The Institute is an interdisciplinary center whose faculty members come from different backgrounds and fields of research. Since my own research is clearly interdisciplinary, combining legal history, political history and general history, the Institute suits me perfectly: It enables me to move freely between fields and their intersections. No less important, the Ben-Gurion Research Institute is in Sde Boker, which is to me the most beautiful place in the country. I’ve loved the desert my entire life and am thrilled to live and raise my children here.​


My rese​arch:

I study the interfaces of political thought, law, and society. Another way of describing my research focus is the way ideas, ideals and perceptions are expressed in policy and practice. Thus far, I have addressed three main subjects: The Israeli right, and specifically Menachem Begin’s world view; crises and emergencies in Israel; and the history of Israeli housing regulation and its relationship to law, society, and politics.

An insight from my research:

Multiple methodological and disciplinary perspectives provide depth and complexity to research. This is true whether I am analyzing a crisis, regulatory system, or political battle; analysis that combines, political, legal, and economic theory provides a broader, more complete – and to me more interesting – view of history.


Something that doesn't appear​ on my CV:

I really love music and hiking: I play several instruments, listen to a lot of music, and go hiking whenever I can


A source ​of inspiration:

Amos Oz is my favorite author. I find myself returning again and again to his book The Same Sea. I continue to find new depths in it, even after dozens of readings. 


When I grow​ up:

As a child, I thought I would be a pianist or a singer. Today I know that music can (and should!) be part of life, but it doesn’t have to be my profession. 


In Brief: 

» Trekking or the spa? Trekking
» Car or train? Years of living in Tel Aviv taught me to enjoy the convenience of public transportation. I love driving, but only on open roads during trips. I really detest the slow crawl through Tel Aviv traffic jams.
» Classical Europe or India? I really like the Far East. Some of the best trips of my life were there, particularly an amazing trip to Tibet and China. At the same time, I also really like classical Europe and if I had to choose, I would say that my favorite place in the world is London, with its great theater and wonderful museums, bookstores, parks, and markets
» Ocean or pool? Ocean
» Night or morning? Morning
» Winter or summer? Every season has its charms
» City or suburb? The countryside, nature, and quiet
» Savory or sweet? Savory
» Steak or tofu? Steak. I really love eating well, and love cooking and entertaining
» Cat or dog? I'm a dog person and have had at least one dog, usually two, most of my life. When my daughter was a year old, we adopted Nemesh (Freckle), a sweet and good-natured poodle-terrier, who became a beloved member of the family.​

​​