An analysis of collective-violent outbursts in Israel, an exception rather than rule, is presented. Through an examination of the various kinds of riots, conclusions concerning the values & prejudices, & social dynamics of Israeli society may be reached. The following observations are discussed: the hooliganistic element is often a stronger participant than the 'official' motivation; extreme ideological & religious fanaticism exists among the people raised in the Shtels; "direct economic rivalry as a motivation of anti-Arab violence" is not an issue; due to the general carnival-like atmosphere of pre-election weeks, various types of rioting occur; Jewish ethnic riots can be categorized into violent riots among clans of different Oriental communities, occasional demonstrations of the socially deprived, & the riots of 1959; the behavior & attitudes of the police. In general, prosecution of offenders is negligible & punishment tends to be lenient. Given the small magnitude of the riots, in short term policy this tendency to avoid facing problems does work. From a longsighted viewpoint, however, this approach may prove a dangerous fallacy. J. Grimes.
