Mabat- Awareness in a Multicultural Society

Mabat believes that despite the many cross-cultural conflicts and divisions in Israeli society, it is possible to establish a sense of social awareness, mutual respect and recognition among students and young professionals from diverse backgrounds - whether they are Arabs or Jews, religious or secular, new immigrants or native born Israelis - thereby fortifying the fabric of Israeli society, creating partnerships and building a common civic identity. MABAT engages motivated students from diverse backgrounds at Israeli colleges and universities. Through hands-on activities, open dialogue allowing for the free expression of feelings and thoughts on divisive issues, and joint group projects, Mabat initiates trust building between individuals and factions that we believe is a requisite in order to generate true change. Over 750 participants have attended 55 Mabat programs at Haifa University, Kinneret Academic College, Jezreel Valley Academic College, and Beit Berl. During the 2013 academic year 130 students attended our programs in 12 different groups. Approximately 50% of our participants are Arabs. For the majority of the students, both Arab and Jewish, this academic setting presents the first opportunity for them to meet the other religious/ethnic group as an adult and on equal footing. Mabat believes that the talented young people will be the most effective agents of far-reaching social change across all sectors of Israeli society.