We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.
The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ...
Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.
Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.
COVID-19 in Israel’s Arab Society: Current Status and Emergency Response Priorities
April 2020
On March 23, the Task Force issued an update on the health and economic risks specific to Arab society due to its low socio-economic status, poor public health infrastructure, population density and weak municipalities. Among them, misalignment of national policies with Arab society’s realities and needs contributed to delays in crisis response measures such as information in Arabic and testing sites in Arab communities, among others.
In the weeks since, significant steps have been taken to address the immediate gaps, promote compliance with prevention guidelines, and to implement more effective emergency response measures in Arab society. As a result, despite recent local outbreaks in several communities, there has thus far been relatively limited spread in Arab society. The curve is rising in Arab society and the risk of additional spread is now high—especially with the month of Ramadan (begun April 24th) raising concerns about maintaining social distance. This risk is further intensified now that Israeli society in general is already looking at easing restrictions while in Arab society the peak has not yet been reached.
Along with the health risks, the economic shutdown intensifies existing social and economic vulnerabilities. Arab citizens are already Israel’s poorest demographic, with three times the poverty rates of non-Haredi Jews. New job losses, lower municipal revenue streams, and limited local services are at the heart of immediate welfare needs and recovery concerns. Arab municipalities and the Arab civil sector are central implementers of emergency and welfare provisions, yet are deeply constrained by current uncertainties, reduced revenues and staffing.
This update aims to briefly report on the current impact of the crisis on Arab citizens and provide an overview of efforts to structure and implement the national and local emergency response for Arab communities. It is beyond the scope of this report to detail all the unique risks, gaps and challenges in Arab society created by this crisis, nor all actors, projects and emergency initiatives underway. Rather, it focuses on issues of alignment with national state authorities, identifies priority areas on the ground, and provides examples of activities for each.
Sorry, we couldn't find anything matching your search.
Please try again.
Do you need support integrating these resources and issues into your philanthropic, communal, or Israel education work? Reach out for consultations, connections to experts, program support, training, or to plan your next event or mission. If you’ve used our resources, tell us about your experience!
Notifications