The Marker’s 2024 “100 Influential People Shaping Israel’s Recovery Post-October 7” list features Mansour Abbas, MK from Ra’am, and Arab young adults. They join other key figures and groups such as Israeli politicians, lawmakers, IDF leaders, families of hostages and victims, as well as international leaders like Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as well as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. The list also highlights impactful events and trends, including the U.S. elections and the phenomenon of fake news. You can see the full list in Hebrew here. Below, we are offering brief summaries of the Marker’s articles.
Mansour Abbas, MK, Chairman of Ra’am party, ranked 17. The Arab community in Israel faces ongoing challenges exacerbated by the budget cuts from Arab socio-economic development plans, escalating crime within Arab towns and the closure of the National Emergency Information Center for Arab society. Amid the ongoing war, they also suffer from inadequate infrastructure and safety measures, such as the lack of bomb shelters and ambulances in many areas. Despite these hardships, Arab citizens have largely remained calm, showing solidarity and resilience.
Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas took quick steps to calm tensions, condemning the attacks and advocating for Arab communities without opposing Jewish ones. He limited his media presence, emphasizing unity and common interests, possibly with an eye on remaining a relevant coalition figure when the current government changes.
This year, Abbas and his team, along with the Arab Local Authorities Committee, have focused on supporting Arab towns by procuring shelters and medical supplies, distributing essential goods, and funding first-aid courses, prioritizing community resilience over political maneuvering.
Arab Young Adults, ranked 52. Arab young adults are currently facing a difficult situation in their search for suitable places to live. They have two challenging options: living in Arab communities with high crime rates and insecurity or moving to Jewish or mixed towns, which come with their own set of issues. Given these challenges, some are considering a third option – emigration abroad. This idea is becoming more common in social conversations, highlighting broader concerns within various communities.
While these issues are not new, they have become more pronounced during the recent conflict. Many Arab youth feel disenfranchised, facing barriers to equal opportunities in education and employment. A large exodus of educated Arab individuals could have serious consequences for Israel’s future. It might weaken local governance, strengthen organized crime, and limit the growth of future leaders in the Arab community. Additionally, this poses challenges to the visions of shared society and equality in Israel.
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