1. A Family Foundation Response to “the most sensitive and important domestic issue facing Israel today” Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation Presented By Stuart Brown At the InterAgency Task Force on Israeli Arab Issues June 4, 2007

2. 2 The Situation The Promise: “THE STATE OF ISRAEL... will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex....” The Reality: “The Arab citizens of Israel live in a reality in which they experience discrimination as Arabs. This inequality has been documented in a large number of professional surveys and studies, has been confirmed in court judgments and government resolutions....” The Result: The situation of the Arab Sector is “...the most sensitive and important domestic issue facing Israel today....”

3. 3 NNCF Strategy Think Globally – Act Locally Education and Advocacy with major national organizations where we have connections (e.g., UJC, JFGW, JDC, JAFI, IATFIAI) Funding specific organizations in Israel that address the issue directly

4. 4 NNCF Message to the Mainstream Addressing the needs of the Arab Sector is an issue of strategic importance for the State of Israel –Legally –Morally –Politically –Economically –Socially Budgets Must Reflect Priorities

5. 5 NNCF Guidelines for Direct Funding Specific Guidelines for this Issue –Shared Vision: Commitment To Coexistence –Program Content: Coexistence In Daily Life –Focus Areas: Education; Economics; Women –Advocacy Combined With Action –Fund Programs and People Not Buildings Other Standard Funding Rules Still Apply

6. 6 Conclusion The Or Commission identified the situation of the Arab Sector as “the most sensitive and important domestic issue facing Israel today.” Therefore, NNCF has made this our highest priority program area in Israel.