Assembly of the Elected

(Asefat Hanivcharim)

   During the British mandate period, the Jewish community in Palestine (Yishuv) established and developed institutions for self-government and procedures for implementing political decisions, thereby laying the foundations for the future state of Israel. All significant Jewish groups belonged to the organized Jewish community (with the exception of the ultra-Orthodox Agudat Israel, then anti-Zionist, which refused to participate) and by secret ballot chose the Assembly of the Elected as its representative body. It was first elected in 1920. It met at least once a year, and between sessions its powers were exercised by the National Council (Vaad Leumi), which it elected. The assembly was formally abolished in February 1949, and its functions and authority were transferred to the Knesset.