In the days following the horrific October 7th terrorist attack, the levels of fear, distrust, and anxiety, among the Jewish and Arab Israeli citizens skyrocketed. The internal situation grew to be more explosive and volatile than ever.
Strengthening a sentiment of partnership in fate became imperative. To that end, we organized several projects aimed at maintaining the structure of the blended fabric of our shared lives here.
Partners in Fate, Partners in Aid: The First Jewish-Arab Joint Emergency Relief Center
Soon after the October 7th attack, we joined forces with Adv. Hanan Alsanah and established the Joint Jewish-Arab Emergency Relief Center in Rahat, which operates purely on an Arab-Jewish partnership. Donations are collected from Jewish and Arab individuals, packages by Jewish and Arab volunteers, and distributed to Jewish and Arab families who were harmed by the hostilities.
Partners in Fate: First-person Testimonials by Arab Citizens of Israel
Through our work at the Jewish-Arab Joint Emergency Relief Center we came across dozens of accounts of outstanding heroism and extraordinary human kindness shown by Arab Israeli citizens. These remarkable stories did not receive any media coverage and did not make it into the public awareness. We were able to deliver several of these stories to the hands of mainstream journalists, and the ones we found to be especially touching, we filmed, and used to create a compelling series of videos.
These videos, which highlight the partnership in fate between the Jewish and Arab communities in Israel were viewed millions of times, shared by thousands, were translated into dozens of languages, and became news items in themselves. We later created a summary video which became a TV promo that aired dozens of times during peak viewing hours on the main news channels.
Partners in Fate, Partners in Grade: Back to School
One of the main places where Jewish and Arab Israelis run into one another is in academia. This year’s academic studies were put on hold, following the October 7th terrorist attack and subsequent war. After spending months in the company of their own communities only, with no direct contact between the Jewish and Arab communities, it is no surprise that each has created its own fears, narratives, and viewpoints.
When Jewish and Arab Israeli students resumed their studies, they were faced with a new reality. One that was not only different from the reality they knew before, but also each community’s reality was very different from the other. Among the Jewish students resuming their academic study are those who had just returned from military reserve duty in Gaza, and those who had loved ones taken hostage or killed during the October 7th massacre. Among the Arab students who resumed their academic studies are those who personally experienced racism, even persecution, those who have family members in the Gaza Strip, and some who had loved ones taken hostage or killed as well.
Considering this, we decided to pair up 5 groups of students, Arabs and Jews, to have an open and honest conversation about this new reality, their fears, and the challenges they face. Those who chose to participate in this project showed courage and leadership. They showed a skill that has become far too rare – the ability to have difficult conversations. In doing so they taught us all a valuable lesson about the importance of listening, showing empathy, and our partnership in fate.
A ceremony was held at the President’s residence to present this project. President Herzog was in attendance, as were students from various sectors of Israeli society who participated in the “Rothchild Ambassadors“ leadership initiative.
Participants: Roni Raviv, Wattan Madi, Izhak Bashir Salam Al-Zayadni, Evyatar Choen, Hamza Samara, Leeyam Bat El, Keren Kolnik, Alin Nassrah, Bar Pakula, Heedo Abulaban.
Pardon the Question: Arab Citizens of Israel During the War
In the aftermath of October 7th, all who live in Israel face a harsh reality. The interaction and discourse between Jewish and Arab Israelis were limited prior to the horrific attack, and now they are nearly nonexistent. What does the Arab community think of the pro-Palestinian protests around the world? Who do they have more concern for – those in Israel or in Gaza? Have they personally experienced racism? And, most importantly – can we coexist and live here together?
We asked 3 men and 4 women from the Arab community in Israel to take a seat in front of our cameras and give us their honest answers to these difficult questions.
Participants: Sondos Alhoot, Muhammad Zoabi, Dr. Nahed Ashqar Sharary, Yitzhak Jowamis, Gussan Touma, Dr. Manal Totry-Jubran, Ruba Suleman.
