Arab Citizens and Jewish Citizens of Israel – Moving Toward Equality?
                    Ali Haider & Ron Gerlitz CO-Executive Directors of
      Sikkuy:  The Association for the Advancement of Equality in Israel



The fact that there are gaps between Arab and Jewish citizens in almost all areas of life is widely acknowledged in Israel, including the shapers of policy. While some decision makers and shapers of public opinion are calling for the promotion of equality and reducing the gaps between Jews and Arabs, others seek to delegitimize and limit the rights of Arab citizens of Israel.

There is no way of knowing which of these contradictory trends will win out, and whether Arabs and Jews are now marching toward confrontation or toward the building of a shared society based on equality – the lifeblood of any democracy. Ali Haider and Ron Gerlitz will discuss the findings of Sikkuy’s studies and work for a more equal Israel.


Background Reading


Who’s in Favor of Equality?

Housing For Arabs Too



Sikkuy

Ron Gerlitz and Ali Haider are co-Executive Directors of Sikkuy (a "chance" or "opportunity" in Hebrew), a non-partisan, non-profit, NGO in Israel that develops and implements projects to advance equality between Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel.

Founded in 1991 as a Jewish-Arab advocacy and education organization, Sikkuy's actions are motivated by the right of every citizen to influence government decisions and policies. Sikkuy is an active member of the international civil society community and is dedicated to advancing civil society in Israel through the values of equality, shared citizenship and human dignity.

Sikkuy is jointly governed by Arab and Jewish co-chairs, managed by Arab and Jewish co-executive directors and staffed by Israeli Arabs and Jews. Sikkuy's programs mobilize a transformation of the relations between the state and the Arab minority in Israel. New Israel Fund of Canada is proud to have worked with Sikkuy for a number of years.

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