From the editorial board.

• Position: Equality and social justice - Brief Article

Over the last two decades, Israeli society has been undergoing a process marked by increasing inequality. The notions of equality of opportunity and social justice, once cornerstones of social thought and policy in Israel, are being jettisoned. Wage scales now resemble those in many Third World societies.

Contrary to expectation and popular myth, second and third generation Mizrahim -- Jews of Middle Eastern origin -- lag further behind their Ashkenazi -- Jews of European or American origin -- cohorts in educational achievements, employment opportunities and housing than the first generation.

The editors of The Israel Equality Monitor aspire to put the idea of equality of opportunity back on the national agenda. They will present an up-to-date picture of the state of equality in various areas of social life. The figures will be presented as clearly as possible, so as to make them accessible to lay readers. The Israel Equality Monitor will...