Press

Israelis and Palestinians: Breaking the cycle of violence and retaliation

In the face of deep divisions, organizations like Givat Haviva are fostering dialogue and coexistence between Jewish and Arab communities. At a recent Jewish Federation of St. Louis event, Mohammad Darawshe, Director of Strategy at Givat Haviva, emphasized the urgency of strengthening Jewish-Arab relations now to shape a better tomorrow. Givat Haviva’s programs bring together hundreds of Arab and Jewish children each week, creating social connections through language, culture, and the arts. A survey presented at the 2024 Givat Haviva Conference highlighted declining trust between communities but also revealed a cautious optimism among Arab Israelis. While challenges persist, initiatives like Givat Haviva demonstrate that meaningful progress toward coexistence is still possible, even in times of crisis.

Survey: Trust between Jews, Arabs in Israel at all-time low

"A survey presented at the Givat Haviva Annual Shared Society Conference reveals a significant deterioration in trust between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel over the last few months, in the context of the war in the Gaza Strip. According to data collected by the Midgam Institute, nearly three quarters (72 percent) of Jews do not trust Arabs, while 43 percent of Arabs express distrust towards Jews. Half of the Jews surveyed report having felt an escalation in manifestations of hostility from Arabs, while more than 40 percent of Arabs say they have perceived increased hostility from Jews."

Poll: Overwhelming majority of Jewish Israelis don’t trust Arab compatriots

72% of Jewish citizens suspicious of Arabs, reverse felt by 43% of Arabs; half of Jews feel more hostility from Arabs since start of Gaza war, 40% of Arabs feels same from Jews

Israeli Minister Calls on Netanyahu to Reissue Work Permits to Palestinian Workers

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel of Shas also called on the government to 'reach out to Arab society in all areas – social, economic, energy, transportation, education, and the fight against crime'

Israelis and Palestinians: Breaking the cycle of violence and retaliation

In the wake of the October 7 attacks and ongoing conflict, the need for coexistence and understanding is more urgent than ever. Givat Haviva is leading efforts to bridge divides between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel through education, dialogue, and shared experiences. By bringing together hundreds of children each week, fostering human connections, and promoting mutual respect, Givat Haviva is laying the groundwork for a more hopeful future—because the path to peace begins now.

Modeling Shared Society in Israel (Video)

Mohammad Darawshe is a leading expert on Jewish-Arab relations in Israel. He has devoted much of his personal and professional life to building a model of respectful and sustainable shared society. The events of October 7 and the Israel-Hamas War have had a unique impact on Jewish and Arab-Palestinian communities across Israel, and have posed significant challenges for intergroup relations. In this lecture, Darawshe was joined in conversation by Professor Masua Sagiv to discuss his vision for a way forward at this precarious juncture. Mohammad Darawshe, Director of Strategy, Center for Shared Society, Givat Haviva Masua Sagiv, Koret Visiting Assistant Professor of Jewish and Israel Studies at UC Berkeley (2021–2025); Senior Faculty, Shalom Hartman Institute; Researcher at the Menomadin Center for Jewish and Democratic Law, Bar-Ilan University Law Faculty