Just about every country in the world, where the culture promotes social equality, struggles to meet their noble aims. Even Sweden has its issues to resolve.

Israel is a veritable melting pot: The ‘religion agenda’ sets up barriers between peoples over matters of land. It also creates a divide between the sexes. There are several dominant minority groups such as Druze, Circassians and Bedouin. And so the list goes on.

Life is not perfect, but overall Israel maintains a democracy and encourages minorities to participate. Golda Meir was one of the first female Prime Ministers in the world. In Gila Gamliel, the country today has a very pro-active Minister for Gender Equality. Walk into hospitals, you will see Jews and non-Jews treating and being treated as one.

Is this enough? Clearly not. And into the breach has stepped Israel’s Ministry of Justice. Last week, the chief bureaucrat of the ministry – a female -hosted the second annual conference on “Partners Together”. The aim is to promote and to ensure a wider participation of all communities in the justice system in the Holy Land.

Quoting stats published in a local newspaper, of the positions available in the ministry:

• 67% – women
• 9% – non Jews
• 1.5% – special needs
• 0.75% – Ethiopians

There are some positives. 60% of the top positions are held by women, compared to 38% for the rest of the civil service. Salim Joubran is a Christian Arab and is a permanent member of the Supreme Court in Jerusalem. And the very fact that such a event takes place is a spur to other ministries.

What should be stated is that the conference, which took place in the full glare of the media, can only happen in a democracy.

Remember Israel has geopolitical problems oozing out of every river and hillside. However, while Israel’s detractors may point out the country’s failings – and yes, they do exist – compared to its neighbours and even some members of the EU,  Israel is light years ahead in actively seeking a more integrated society.