UJIA backs UK Task Force on Arab Citizens of Israel

UJIA is backing the UK Task Force on Issues Facing Arab Citizens of Israel, established in 2010 by a broad coalition of Jewish communal organisations to increase the Jewish community's understanding of and engagement with Israel's Arab population.

In recent years, the British Jewish community has shown a growing awareness of issues facing Israel's Arab citizens, manifested in new educational initiatives on the subject, additional support for relevant projects in Israel and an increase in visits to Arab communities in Israel. The UK Task Force provides an organisational structure to ensure that this awareness is sustained, increased and evaluated. Activities include providing members with briefings, advice, support and contacts with Arab communities in Israel, as well as study trips to learn about the realities on the ground. It has been set up as a sister organisation to the North American Inter-Agency Task Force on Israeli Arab Issues (IATF).

UJIA is part of the UK Task Force's Executive Committee, working alongside The Board of Deputies of British Jews, UK Friends of the Abraham Fund Initiatives, New Israel Fund UK, The Pears Foundation and The Zionist Federation. UJIA chief executive Douglas Krikler joins Trevor Pears, executive chair of The Pears Foundation, as co-chairs of the UK Task Force. They both commented:

"We are pleased to have established a broad based coalition of organizations supporting Israel which will help the Jewish community learn more about and play a proactive role in addressing issues facing Israel's Arab citizens."

To learn more about the UK Task Force visit www.uktaskforce.org