Improving the Lives of Israel's Minorities

Last week's Jewish press spoke about an important development in the American Jewish community as it relates to Israel. A newly created, high-level task force of communal organizations, such as the ADL and the Conference of Presidents [of Major American Jewish Organizations], met to discuss how American Jews can play a greater role in improving the lives of Israel's 1.2 million Arab citizens, 20% of Israel's population. Among the areas discussed: raising awareness of the socio-economic disparities that confront the minority population and steering funding to organizations that address those differences.

These issues are not new, as BJ members know. In fact, it is partly because of the persistence of the rabbis and members of BJ, who have continually raised, spoken-out about, and funded these issues that over 120 major Jewish leaders participated in a full-day conference, organized primarily by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, featuring dozens of Jewish community leaders from across the country in discussions with Jewish and Arab Israeli civil rights activists, philanthropic leaders and coexistence advocacy groups.

Why was this important? Because Israel's American advocates from across the political spectrum were recognizing that Israel's future as a democracy, as a modern, progressive community, and as an effective, functional entity requires that it create an equitable society in which both the minority and majority can fully develop their potential.

So this Shabbat as individuals and a community we should take a moment to honor ourselves for being leaders on this path, and grateful for those who are joining us.

– Sally Gottesman

Sally Gottesman is a member of BJ's Israel Steering Committee and the Chair of Moving Traditions.
The Focus on Israel column is edited by Robin Fleischner, Co-Chair of BJ's Israel Steering Committee.