Press

Friends of Givat Haviva Seeks to Improve Arab Jewish Relations

In an extensive interview with the Cleveland Jewish News, Friends of Givat Haviva Chair David Heller said American Jews have a responsibility “to deepen and expand our knowledge of Israel society…and to find ways to join with groups in civil society that can advance the Jewish-Arab relations in a meaningful way to strengthen Israel’s democracy.” Following the October 7 attack, Givat Haviva has played a key role in maintaining communication between Jewish and Arab communities, addressing growing mistrust through education and leadership programs.

Survey: Relations between Jewish and Arab Israelis continue to suffer amid war

In this extensive report on Givat Haviva’s annual survey of Arab and Jewish citizens, Religion News Service (RNS) presents highlights of the findings regarding sources of mistrust between the two communities since October 7, 2023. Givat Haviva CEO Michal Sella is hopeful relations between Jews and Arabs in Israel will ultimately improve. “Citizens realize we cannot handle more violence in this country, and most understand that we will always live together,” she said. “There is no other option.”

Reflections on Givat Haviva's 2025 Shared Society Conference

Day 483 Of The War: Hopes For A Better Future

Givat Haviva’s Shared Society Convention at the Rabin Center was a day filled with hope and meaningful dialogue. Against the backdrop of ongoing conflict, discussions emphasized the urgent need for Jewish-Arab partnership and mutual understanding. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel’s call for supporting Arab society stood out as a rare and compassionate message.

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."