Int’l partnership addresses economic inequaliy in Israel

It is often said that no other democratic country faces the same challenges and is held to the same moral standards as Israel. This usually refers to the difficult realities like this summer’s crisis in Gaza. But it also includes the challenge of emerging from such crises and resuming the work of creating a prosperous society toward which all citizens, Jews and Arabs alike, can contribute and benefit.

Among the broader international Jewish community, it is not always known that the government of Israel and many non-governmental organizations, including Jewish organizations in Canada and the United States, approach increasing Arab socio-economic participation in Israel as a major national priority.

Arab citizens make up a little more than 20 per cent of Israel’s population, or around 1.6 million people. Though Arabs make up one in five Israelis, numerous barriers keep most outside of Israel’s advanced job market and growth industries. They are already suffering from poverty rates nearly four times higher than the Jewish majority, and widening economic gaps deepen existing social divisions and hurt the economy as a whole.

I am proud to be at the helm of an international Jewish organization that has long worked to reach all Israeli citizens in need. On Nov. 3, Safa Garb from the Joint Distribution Committee and Aiman Saif from the Prime Minister’s Office will be at the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto to discuss Arab economic development in Israel, including the largest Arab employment initiative we are implementing in partnership.

Over the last five or six years, the government of Israel has invested more than 4 billion shekels (about $1.4 billion Cdn) in programs to close these gaps and tap into the creative potential of the Arab population. These programs range from job training and placement to transportation, zoning and infrastructure in Arab localities, and stand to change the face of Israeli society from one contending with a sizable and disadvantaged minority population to one that is identifying and addressing the causes of poverty and exclusion.

In this respect, these developments are a major interest for Jewish communities internationally. A more inclusive Israeli society is a necessity for continued economic growth, but it is also part of fostering societal ties that will strengthen Jewish-Arab relations in the country.

It is exciting to see that Jewish leadership in Toronto is integrating these issues into the community’s engagement with Israel and creating opportunities to learn about the latest developments and strategies from representatives of Israel’s highest government offices and leading organizations.

As Israel continues to meet its challenges and ideals, I hope the international Jewish community remains this engaged and interested in the circumstances of all of its communities, Jewish and Arab alike.

Alan Gill is executive vice-president and CEO of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and co-chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Israeli Arab Issues.