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.
Shatil Spotlight: Dr. Bishara Bisharat
Meet Dr. Bishara Bisharat, representing Arab citizen in Israel’s Ministry of Health during the COVID-19 crisis.
Solidarity with Palestinian Victim of Police Violence
Tag Meir paid a solidarity visit to the family of the unarmed, autistic Palestinian man recently murdered by police in East Jerusalem.
200,000 People Attend Virtual Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day
This year, the alternative Memorial Day ceremony held by Combatants for Peace and the Parents Circle – Families Forum, was held online and attracted record-breaking numbers of attendees.
Defending the Rights of Arab and Secular Jewish Citizens
NIF grantees argued that hospitals cannot prevent visitors from bringing leavened products for patients during Passover. Israel’s Supreme Court agreed.