eNewsletters |

December 4, 2007

Israel Office

• Eight Burning Issues Placed on Israel’s Public Agenda in 2007

SHATIL

• Study Reveals: Immigrant Families in Crisis Don’t Use Public Services
• Olmert, Wake Up! A SHATIL-initiated Ad Supports Calls for Basic Educational Reform

NIF Outside Israel

• NIF: An Oasis Of Social Change

Weekly Message

As we approach year-end, we want to express our sincere appreciation to our supporters and the NIF News readership.

Our supporters recognize the New Israel Fund as the leading organization taking a comprehensive approach towards progressive democratic change in Israel. Israel is a small country, and in that context, NIF and SHATIL have a major impact; SHATIL is actually building new sectors of civil society that eventually become NIF grantees.

In 2007, we have achieved much on the long and arduous road to social change. In the first post-war year, Shatil fulfilled its ambitious objectives in helping Israel's north recover. With SHATIL's guidance, there are new models of cooperation between local government and NGOs; a public voice for the experiences and needs of "invisible" northern residents; and the beginnings of a blueprint for model joint Jewish-Arab living in Haifa.

NIF has also broken new ground in the issues we engage. One significant program, a coalition of NIF grantees working towards a comprehensive policy for Israel's African refugees, will be described more fully tomorrow when we send you a special e-package about this compelling issue. Other accomplishments include support for providing liberal Jewish alternatives to Orthodox religious education; ending harassment of non-Jewish travelers at Ben-Gurion airport; preserving thousands of acres of West Jerusalem green space from development; and improving the punitive Mehalev welfare-to-work program.

Americans know just how hard it is to advance progressive values at home. In Israel, the fight against intolerance, extremism and injustice is even more acute – and if the strongest voices there belong to those with a narrow and intolerant perspective, Israel will go down the wrong path. Your support means that the values of equality and social justice have a chance to advance, at a critical time for Israel's future.

The Annapolis conference also reminds us that the road to peace will be long and complex and arduous. (For Larry Garber's report on post-Annapolis events and progress, visit our blog). Only a socially cohesive and united country can and will make peace; only a country that expresses democratic values will have the political will and means to do so.

At a time when our work has never been more important, we appreciate – and of course, politely solicit! – your generous support. Please click here to contribute, or contact us at 1-888-988-3863 x836 for more information.

The NIF Family wishes you a happy Chanukah.