Jewish Funders Network International Conference in Israel

Championing Equality of Opportunity and Shared Society in Israel, hosted by Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation, and the Alan B. Slifka Foundation, took place at the JFN International Conference on On 3/19/2012 at 17:00-18:00.

Philanthropists and NGO leaders who seek to realize Israel's commitment, as a Jewish and democratic state, to coexistence and equality of opportunity for Israel's Jewish and Arab citizens shared their experience and visions with conference participants in this stimulating session.

In Israel, where Arabs are 20% of the citizenry, there are a number of governmental and non-governmental efforts to address issues of discrimination, social and economic development in the Arab community, and the opportunities and challenges of living in a diverse and interdependent society. The Abraham Fund Initiatives, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Israeli Arab Issues, and the Jewish Federations of North America Venture Fund for Jewish Arab Equality and Shared Society will be on hand to discuss the current challenges and opportunities in the field.

Location: Hilton Tel Aviv Hotel/Room Jaffa (4th Floor).

Non-registrants should RSVP to [email protected].

On 3/20/2012 8:00-9:00 A disccusion on shared society. Participants enjoyed coffee and conversation on Israel's diversity and Jewish-Arab relations.

Funders interested in promoting equality of opportunity for Israel's Arab population and encouraging a socially cohesive Israel through positive relationships among the diverse populations of Israel discussed their objectives, strategies and funded projects as well as current challenges and obstacles in the field.

Location: Hilton Tel Aviv Hotel/Room King Solomon A (Lower level) Breakfast is not provided at this session.
Non-registrants should RSVP to [email protected].

3/21/2012 08:00- 20:00 Expanding Israel's Economic Growth: Opportunity in the Arab Sector: How philanthropy promotes equal opportunity and creates bridges for dialogue and cooperation between Israel's Jewish and Arab population.

An overview of Arab society in Israel and economic development in the Arab sector was provided by Rachel Liel, executive director of the New Israel Fund, and Amnon Be'eri -Sulitzeanu, co-executive director, Israel of The Abraham Fund Initiatives. They discussed the challenges and achievements of employment for Arab women.

Visit and meet with employees of the Clal Company, and learn about Kav Mashve, an employment integration program supporting equality for Arab university graduates. - Hear from leaders from the Atida program of the Al-Tufula Center and the Wide Open Employment initiative of Be-Atzmi and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services . - Visit the Nazareth Academic Institute-meet the senior VP and head of the general education program, and explore higher education as a key for better future employment in the Arab sector. - Lunch with faculty members and students. - Sightseeing tour of Nazareth - Visit to Injaz - the Center for Professional Arab Local Governance, Economic growth engines in the Arab sector - learn about government policy, employment centers, and meet with Jimmy Levy, co-founder of the Al-Bawader investment fund, focused on Israel's minority sectors. Leave from Hilton Tel Aviv at 8:30. This is only available to conference attendees.