Read how the ongoing war, organized crime, and tensions in mixed cities are affecting the October 31 local elections in Arab communities. What is the significance for Arab socio-economic development and services?
On January 29, 2024 IATF hosted a discussion with Michal Sella, Executive Director of Givat Haviva, Mohammad Darwashe, Director of Strategy at Givat Haviva, and Shahira Shalaby, IATF Content Expert and the co-Deputy Director of Abraham Initiatives. They discussed new research and developments from the field.
On January 15, Israel's cabinet approved a revised 2024 state budget with a 5% cut across ministries and a permanent 15% reduction in key government plans for socio-economic development in Arab society, totaling NIS 1.2 billion in 2024.
Both Bedouin and Jewish communities in the Negev were deeply impacted by October 7 and its aftermath. Jewish and Arab volunteers quickly mobilized to support rescue efforts, respond to emergency needs, and reduce tensions. Shira Ohana and Hanan Alsanah share about inspiring joint emergency responses from the earliest days of the war, and what they are doing today to preserve a shared future for all residents of the Negev.
Thumbnail: November 28 Zoom Call featuring Shira Ohana, CEO of Hura Municipality and Att. Hanan Alsanah, Director of the Bedouin Women’s Rights Center at Itach Ma’aki (Women Lawyers for Social Justice).
On October 24, 2023 Representatives of the National Emergency information Center for Arab Citizens briefed IATF, SVF, and JFN members on resource coordination for Arab citizens and communities, including a current map of emergency needs submitted by Arab local authorities.
In response to the recent attacks by Hamas on October 7th, Israeli citizens and organizations have quickly mobilized to support those affected, particularly in Arab communities. They are working to provide shelter, information, and prevent escalations between Arab and Jewish citizens. These initiatives focus on coordination across NGOs and government bodies, building on experiences from COVID and the May 2021 escalations in mixed areas.
While the majority of Arab respondents believe that most Arab citizens want to integrate into Israeli society, tensions persist between Jews and Arabs. The Israeli Democracy Index 2022 highlights complex dynamics in Israeli society.
This year's annual "100 Influential People in Economy " list published by Calcalist includes seven Arabs from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds.