Trip to the Knesset

On our first free day after getting back from Jordan, a small group of us went to tour the Knesset (the Israeli parliament building). It was the equivalent of visiting the U.S. Capitol building. This is where everything that’s important happens in the Israeli government! Israel has a parliamentary government, so the Parliament/Knesset is even more important than the U.S. Congress. For example, the Knesset elects the President and Prime Minister.

Can you tell that it’s an Israeli building? :)

They have this light-up board inside that shows which Knesset members are in the building. There weren’t very many there on this day because it wasn’t a voting day.

There are 120 members of the Knesset (modeled after the 12 tribes of Israel). Israel isn’t divided into any voting districts. All members of the Knesset represent all Israelis. Also, there’s only one house in the Knesset.

Here’s a room where they have committee meetings.

The plaque in front of me says ‘Knesset member.’ I’m very official.

There was some cool art in the reception hall (where ceremonies are held) by French Jewish artist Marc Chagall. There were three giant tapestries that represented the past, present, and future of the Jewish people. 

Here’s the main room of the Knesset: the voting room!

Can you tell the chairs are in the shape of a menorah?

So that's the Knesset! It was interesting to learn some more about the Israeli government.