For the first time in Israel’s history, a comprehensive information manual on Israeli Arab society is being distributed this week to 3,000 policy makers in government, civil society and the private sector. The manual, developed and published by The Abraham Fund Initiatives, is designed to assist policy makers in making informed decisions based on reliable and credible information in all matters concerning the Arab public in Israel.

The 400-page publication, including more than 70 tables, graphs and charts, boasts a wealth information including statistical and demographic data; a review of Israeli Arab history; a compilation of government decisions and resolutions related to the Arab sector; information detailing the economic gaps between Jews and Arabs; the status of the Arab minority in the State; mapping of Arab politics and political parties; trends in Jewish-Arab relations; a review of Arab literature and journalism; and information on non-profit organizations in the Arab community in Israel.

The manual will be distributed to government ministers, Knesset members, civil servants, CEOs of leading firms, academics, public libraries, research institutes and think tanks, the Israel Police, leading civil society organizations, and major media outlets.  The publication is also be available for download (in Hebrew) on The Abraham Fund’s website.

Dr. Elie Rekhess, along with Mr. Arik Rodnitzki, both of Tel-Aviv University, edited the manual for policy makers.  Geographer Professor Rasem Hamisi (Haifa University) and sociologist Professor Aziz Haider (Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Van–Leer Institute) served as readers and external reviewers of the publication.

Professor (emeritus) Shimon Shamir of Tel Aviv University, who served as a member of the Orr Commission, contributed an introductory essay to the publication titled “The Advancement of the Arab Sector and its Integration: Goals and Challenges”.

A letter from Minister for Minority Affairs Professor Avishay Braverman will accompany the publication.  In his letter, Professor Braverman emphasizes that “full equality and cooperation will be achieved only when as a society and as individuals we invest the necessary efforts.  First and foremost, our obligation in government is to take responsibility and spearhead this issue.”

Amnon Be’eri Sulitzeanu and Mohammad Darawshe, Co-Executive Directors of The Abraham Fund in Israel, said that “the deterioration in the relations between Jews and Arabs emphasizes the need for government to take responsibility regarding this issue.  We hope that the availability of the information in this manual will stimulate vigorous action for the elimination of gaps between Arabs and Jews, and will encourage the full integration of Arab citizens within Israeli society.”