Shared Society and Combating Racism
Fostering a Shared Society
NIF works to advance a society in Israel that is truly shared among its residents, one in which every Israeli has an equal stake. We are committed to combating racism and protecting minorities from discrimination.
The deepest rift in Israeli society is between Jewish and Palestinian citizens (sometimes called Israeli Arabs). This is rooted in strong national identities and exacerbated by the greater conflict between Israel and its neighbors, the prolonged occupation, and accelerating ultra-nationalist and racist political trends. In addition, there are troubling disconnects and enmities between Jewish sectors of the public.
But despite the common emphasis on conflict, there are many areas of cooperation -- microcosms throughout Israel that might “scale up” to the national level. There is also growing public awareness of the phenomenon of racism, and new opportunities for shared society-building through networking, community organizing, advocacy and litigation.
Our approach stresses the advantages of social diversity, strengthens moderating voices, and builds places for intercultural encounter that can deepen bonds and prevent escalation.
Fighting for a Shared Future on the Ground and in the Streets
NIF grantee, Omdim Beyachad (Standing Together), has mobilized tens of thousands of Israelis — Jewish and Arab — over the past few weeks to unite under a vision of justice and equality for all.
Calling For Calm, Fighting for Equality
The Abraham Initiatives and Sikkuy: The Association for the Advancement of Civic Equality played a key role in the mobilization for peace and shared society amidst the landscape of violent escalation.
Coordinating Action in Palestinian Society
Shatil led the way in coordinating Arab advocacy and activism around emerging real-time events using cutting-edge technology, the platform and history of our Haifa office, and the leadership and relationships of new Shatil-Haifa director Fida Naara-Tabony.
Campaigning for Arabic in Public Services
In a victory for equitable access Arabic-speaking Israelis, after pressure from NIF grantee Sikkuy, the Israel Electric Corporation introduced Arabic language services on its hotline.