Upon the attainment of independence in 1948, the Jewish population of the State of Israel was composed predominantly of Ashkenazi immigrants. Less than 20 percent of the population was Sephardi (in Israel, most Jews of Asian and African origin, as well as those from parts of the northern Mediterranean, are collectively referred to as Sephardim or Mizraḥim, although these are not entirely accurate designations). The Ashkenazim, who proudly termed themselves vatiqim (veterans), dominated Israeli politics, economics, and cultural life. With the onset of unrestricted …