The Movement for Reform Judaism and the Abraham Fund Initiatives
Wednesday, 02 September 2009
The Abraham Fund Initiatives works to advance co-existance equality and cooperation among Israel’s Jewish and Arab citizens. Leo Williams, Manager of TAFI UK explains how this is done with the support of the Movement for Reform Judaism.Israel’s Declaration of Independence in 1948 called "upon the …Arab people living in Israel to play their part in building the State on the basis of full and equal citizenship…"
Nowadays, Israeli Arabs make up approximately 20% of Israel’s population - over a million people. However, despite the historic promises of David Ben Gurion and his colleagues, Arab citizens of Israel have experienced state discrimination for many years.
Israeli Arabs have a lower level of education than their Jewish neighbours and are paid an average monthly salary of 2000 NIS (£316.00) less than their Jewish counterparts. The allocation of state resources has been skewed against the Arab citizens of Israel. To date there has only been one Arab citizen of Israel awarded a ministerial position - Raleb Majadele, who was Minister of Science, Culture and Sport in Ehud Olmert’s government.
The Abraham Fund Initiatives (TAFI) work in a spirit of partnership with the Israeli Government to change this by advancing coexistence, equality and cooperation among Israel’s Jewish and Arab citizens through large-scale initiatives, public education and advocacy.
Programmes include teaching Arabic in Jewish schools, promoting the employment and integration of Arab women in the Israeli workforce and improving relations between Israeli police and the Arab communities.
In this country, TAFI-UK works to support the vision of shared citizenship and opportunity for all of Israel’s citizens.
Since TAFI-UK’s inception in 2006, the Reform Movement has been extremely supportive of our work. Representatives of the Movement have regularly attended meetings and organised discussions at synagogues. We were privileged to be invited to the official opening of a memorial garden in memory of Frank Foley, and Chairman Laurie Kaye gave a TAFI presentation to the Assembly of Reform Rabbis in July. We are particularly grateful to Rabbi Tony Bayfield and Michael Reik for their ongoing support, advice and introductions.
With the new government in Israel, TAFI has begun the process of developing relationships with newly elected officials and ministers. TAFI was among a very select group of NGOs – and the only one working solely on Jewish-Arab relations – to be invited to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and senior staff soon after his election. He responded very positively about continuing dialogue with The Abraham Fund.
But we also need support in the UK to help advance and promote these goals. There are a number of ways individuals can help. To join our mailing list, simply send an e mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you would like to help fundraise for TAFI UK or organise a speaking event in your community, contact Leo Williams on 0207 8418939 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Finally – TAFI UK will be running a half marathon on 27 September to raise funds for our Language as a Cultural Bridge Initiative. This aims to mandate the teaching of colloquial Arabic in Jewish public schools to foster behavioural changes amongst Jewish students, teachers, parents and principals that reflect a greater acceptance and openness toward Arabs, their language, and their culture. To sponsor us, click here.
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