Israel is a multi-cultural state in which Arabs comprise one-fifth of the population. In the past decade, despite the significant accomplishments of civil society organizations, Jewish-Arab relations in Israel have deteriorated, and at the same time discrimination and exclusion of the Arab minority have increased. These developments underline the need for the government of Israel to assume responsibility for developing and implementing a policy of integrating its Arab citizens and promoting equality between Arab and Jewish citizens, grounded in a dialogue with the Arab leadership.

Developing the appropriate policies requires accurate, impartial, clear and up-to-date information. While much information is contained in various sources including academic studies and summaries of committee meetings and seminars, unfortunately this information is not always available to policy-makers in a comprehensive, user-friendly form.

The Abraham Fund’s new Information Manual for Policy-Makers is designed to present those responsible for developing and implementing policy with reliable and up-to date information in a convenient, expandable single volume. The information is expected to enrich stakeholders’ knowledge of the issues, and support informed decision-making.

Government policy on equality and social inclusion offers numerous benefits, and can make a significant contribution to the attainment of equitable citizenship for all citizens of the state, Jews and Arabs. Such policy has economic, security, political, and moral value.

Government responsibility for equality implies, among other things, giving expression to the need to regulate the relations between Israel’s majority and minority (the country’s two national groups); maintaining a continuous dialogue with local Arab leadership; developing a shared vision for both populations; condemning all expressions of exclusion, racism, and inequity; enacting progressive legislation; establishing statutory bodies in charge of integration and equality; creating shared spaces; promoting collaboration and reciprocal relations among the communities, and implementing steps to build trust between legal and governmental institutions and the Arab public.

The new Information Manual is being distributed (in its original Hebrew) to thousands of decision makers in national and local government, civil service, academia, business, and civil society.  An English language précis of the manual is available for download here.

The full 400-page Hebrew manual may be downloaded here at no cost.  Those interested in purchasing a bound copy of the Hebrew language manual may contact

The Abraham Fund Initiatives
G.G. Communications Center
Neve Ilan, Harei Yehuda, Israel 90850
Email: info@abrahamfund.org.il
Tel: +972-2-5349300  Fax: +972-2-5349301