Inside Story at the Knesset

On our virtual visit to the Knesset we’ll focus less on those official venues familiar to anyone following Israeli news and more on the caucus rooms corners and cubbyholes (Photo: Flash 90)

M ost Israelis think of the Knesset as the place where politicians yell blistering insults at each other from the podium. But the building has many caucus rooms corners and cubbyholes far from the public eye where much of the real legislative work takes place — along with the requisite kibitzing and self-promotion. Shimon Breitkopf Mishpacha’s Knesset correspondent takes us through the Knesset providing a look at those colors and cadences of an MK’s workday that rarely make it to the headlines.

Being a legislator is truly a thankless job. Mark Twain is said to have quipped “If pro is the opposite of con what is the opposite of progress?” Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev opined “Politicians are the same all over — they promise to build bridges even where there are no rivers.” And Will Rogers famously said “Be thankful we’re not getting all the government we’re paying for.”

Despite the ridicule and criticism that comes with the job the title of Member of Knesset (MK) still carries quite a bit of power and prestige and the sprawling Knesset building in Jerusalem’s Givat Ram has no end of visitors — including quite a few chareidi youngsters. Pull one of these bright students aside and chat them up and you might find they can tell you the name of the deputy speaker of the Third Knesset in their sleep. (Get the names of these kids; you may be speaking to future MKs.)