About seven years ago, I received a phone call asking me if I was willing to come to a meeting in Israel at the offices of the Joint Distribution Committee with some other Israeli representatives of the American Jewish Philanthropic community. The meeting was called to brainstorm about how to convince American Jewish organizations to provide financial assistance to Israeli Arab organizations as well as to Israeli Jewish organizations. I replied that I would be happy to come, but it really was not necessary as NCJW has helped all populations at-risk since we first starting working in Israel in 1947.  “That’s why we want you to come,” was the answer I received. Of course, why didn’t I think of that!

I went to the meeting and was not surprised, but rather taken aback by some of the comments said during the discussion, such as, “I cannot see American Jewish donors giving money to Arabs,”  “why don’t American Arabs fund the Israeli Arabs,” etc. For me, the experience was a real eye-opener. Since its creation 117 years ago, NCJW has always sought to help the less fortunate and at-risk populations, whomever they may be. The coalition took off with only 12 organizations, and I am pleased to say that NCJW was one of them. Seven years later, there are now 92 American Jewish organizations that have joined the Inter-Agency Task Force on Israeli Arab Issues. These organizations understand that in order for Israel to remain a Jewish yet vibrant democratic state, it needs to work for equality and dignity for all of its citizens, regardless of their race, religion, or gender.

Last week, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Israeli Arab Issues was named one of North America’s top Jewish innovators in the sixth annual “Slingshot” guidebook due to their strength in four areas: innovation, impact, leadership, and organizational efficiency. The taskforce has led the way for awareness about Jewish-Arab relations in Israel and the issues facing Israeli Arab citizens.  NCJW is honored to stand with the Task Force as we support the democratic, sovereign state of the Jewish people and uphold Israel’s Declaration of Independence, including the article that promises social and political equality for all its inhabitants, Jews and Arabs alike. I am proud to represent NCJW in this coalition. Yeshar Koach – well done!