5 - The Religious Turn

Summary

Recent decades have been characterized by the growth of diverse religious movements among both Israeli Jews and Israeli Palestinians. The various haredi sects have grown rapidly and strive to be autonomous enclaves, religious nationalists have successfully colonized the West Bank, and the ‘repentance movement’ struck roots among Mizrachim. Mystical movements have also flourished and pilgrimages to saints’ tombs extensively practiced. These diverse movements interact and some young haredim also leave their enclaves to join secular society. Among Israeli Palestinians, the ‘religious turn’ has also been significant, and the Islamic Movement has grown in size and influence.