This year’s annual “100 Influential People in Economy ” list published by Calcalist includes seven Arabs from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds. Below, we introduce each individual on the list and provide brief summaries of the corresponding Calcalist articles.
Mudar Younes, Mayor of Ar’ara and Chairman of the National Committee of Arab Local Authorities, ranked 32, symbolizes progress and modernization in Arab society. His efforts to address unauthorized construction, develop neighborhoods, and establish job hubs required cooperation with the government, but this took a turn when budgets to Arab authorities were halted, forcing him into leading protests in his community.
See the fulll article (Hebrew)
Hassan Towafra, Director General of Authority for the Economic Development of the Arab minority, ranked 39, was appointed to oversee the implementation of GR 550 – the economic plan to reduce socio-economic gaps in the Arab society by 2026. Currently, the main challenge is to implement the plan amid opposition from some government officials who attempt to divert the allocations from the Arab authorities.
See the fulll article (Hebrew)
Mothers for Life: Muna Khalil & Khifah Agbaria, ranked 50. In August 2020, they began a journey, leading hundreds in a protest march against crime and violence to Jerusalem. This movement crosses age, gender, and social lines, uniting people from across the country, including Arabs and Jews. They hold images of their loved ones and distribute photos with victims’ names.
See the fulll article (Hebrew)
Three Arab University Vice-Presidents ranked 64. Calcalist characterizes their mission as upholding universities as strongholds of integration, equality, and inclusivity, especially in the current political landscape, which is less favorable to women and Arabs.
Prof. Mouna Maroun, Vice President and Dean of Research and Development at the University of Haifa. Dr. Maroun is the first Arab woman to lead a university science department in Israel.
Prof. Mona Khoury-Kassabri, Vice President of the Hebrew University of Strategy and Diversity, the first Arab woman in the position. In interview, she noted, “Being an Arab woman is tough, but I’m already grappling with something half the population contends with.”
Prof. Sarab Abu-Rabia-Queder, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, the first Bedouin professor at Ben-Gurion University.
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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!