Between national identity and active citizenship: Mamlakhtiyut, republican education and the Israeli Government Yearbook

This article examines the implementation of mamlakhtiyut (Israeli republicanism) through the Israeli Government Yearbook (1949-1962), an annual publication that integrated practical information with narrative overviews of national achievements and challenges, aiming to involve citizens in the state's broader missions. The article explores the connection between the state's role as the primary source of authority and national identification, and the attempt to encourage citizens to see themselves as active stakeholders, engaged in pursuing the common good rather than exhibiting passive obedience. While the yearbook primarily targeted an elite audience and excluded other segments of society, it sought to cultivate a specific form of participatory citizenship, rooted in national identification and a sense of partnership. The analysis explores how the yearbook aligned with the foundational principles of mamlakhtiyut, examines its rationale and intended readership, explores the discourse around it, and delves into the introductory articles by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. Finally, it situates this case within a broader context, offering insights into its wider implications.