Trust is essential for democracy to thrive, but it is eroding in Israel and other Western democracies. Distrust leads to polarization and a breakdown of institutions. Corruption and manipulation are fueling this erosion, with political elites focused on personal gain and deliberate strategies to exploit division for power and profit. Transparency and accountability are crucial to rebuilding trust, but it also requires grassroots initiatives and everyday acts of trust-building. Democracy cannot survive on suspicion alone; it needs faith, transparency, accountability, and above all, trust.