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.
Op-Ed: Pew Findings Not Surprising, But Also Not Irreversible
NIF CEO Daniel Sokatch writes for JTA about the recently released Pew Research Center poll surveying attitudes among Israeli citizens.
Public Pressure Leads to Changes to Civics Textbook
A successful campaign puts democracy back in Israeli civics education.
New Campaign Against Boycott of Arab Businesses
One organization is pushing back against a boycott of Arab businesses – and the state-funded group behind it.
Lowering Ethnic Barriers in Jerusalem
Shatil gathers Jerusalem’s leaders to lead the fight against racism in their city.