At a time when Israeli democracy is tested by war and a climate of political polarization, its history is being told in the new Knesset Museum, at the downtown Jerusalem building often known as the “Old Knesset.”

The museum opened in August in the historic Froumine House, a three-story, rounded facade building located on King George Street.

The building, originally owned by the Froumine family (who reportedly made their money by bringing Petit Beurre biscuits to Israel), temporarily housed the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, from March 1950 until the August 1966 dedication of the Knesset’s permanent residence on Givat Ram.

Now established as the Knesset Museum, the building was restored to its original appearance, while the staff undertook the task of telling the unabridged story of Israel’s democracy.

Visitors can experience the workings of the Israeli parliament, becoming Knesset members for the duration of their visit in an app-assisted and guided tour, with the idea of peering back into the past and learning from the historical events that shaped the face of the state in its early days.

The focal point of the museum is telling the story of democracy — and how it is told requires careful handling in this day and age.

The museum includes several videos and short films, with an initial introduction explaining the Knesset’s different homes before the Givat Ram building was constructed. More politically significant videos follow that delve into democracy and Israel’s Declaration of Independence.

One gallery explains the Declaration’s roots in the Torah and Book of Prophets, the ethical values of Israeli society and how the Knesset of 120 members was based on the Talmudic........

© The Times of Israel