Social and Economic Justice Projects

Many organizations provide tzedakah – charity – to the chronically underprivileged sectors of Israeli society.  New Israel Fund of Canada works on the root causes of poverty, building and strengthening social justice organizations throughout the country. From the Galilee to the Negev, and from urban centers to isolated development towns, we’re assisting minority communities to find their voice and improve their status. Below are some of NIFC’s projects with a focus on social and economic justice.

Northern Lights

In 2012, Shatil continued it’s partnership with NIFC in helping to strengthen civil society in Israel's Galilee region by focusing on building relationships among NGOs, various levels of government and educational institutions. Shatil is conducting individualized assessments of organizations that promote joint living in the Galilee. Based on these assessments, the Shatil consulting team, composed of experts in organizational and resource development, marketing and public relations, technology and internet, is carrying out a strategic intervention program tailored to each organization according to its goals, objectives and present capacities

Southern Lights

Since the founding of the State, the residents of the Negev have faced profound social, economic and cultural challenges. This has been exacerbated by their geographic, political and economic peripheral status. Shatil has long promoted cross-cultural and cross-ethnic collaborations in the region in the belief that only by working together can residents of the Negev better their collective future. In recognition of these challenges Shatil established the Negev Leadership Network. Major stakeholders in the Negev are brought together, and some 73 participants are now engaged in promoting and strengthening the region for this and future generations.

With NIFC\s participation, members of the Negev Leadership Network are positioned to work together in improving the quality of life in the Negev through development of employment opportunities, local sustainable economic development, improved schools, youth programs, increased health care, affordable housing, effective immigrant absorption and more. Members are involved in projects where they work whether in organizations, businesses or local authorities. Members generously contribute their time, energy, expertise, and personal and professional resources to the Network. And while the Network was not specifically established to foster co-existence, an important by-product is improving Jewish-Arab relationships in the Negev.

Assistance to Ethiopian Immigrants

The Shatil-guided Yachdav Coalition, comprised of Ethiopian women and men, was formed to address the crisis of domestic violence in the Ethiopian community through educational activities and consulting. NIFC and SHATIL help work with Ethiopian community volunteers in cities with high concentrations of Ethiopian-Israelis. The goal is through training to empower these community leaders to take responsibility for their community's affairs on the local level, to learn the necessary skills for effective leadership, and to work together to combat domestic and youth violence within the community

In response to a sudden increase in the domestic violence within Israel’s Ethiopian community the Yachdav Coalition produced an audio CD promoting peace and harmony within the family. As well the Yachdav coalition, together with local activists, municipal workers and community absorption center staff, held four assemblies, in the cities of Kiryat Yam, Hadera, Migdal Ha’emek and Afula on the topic of combating domestic and youth violence.

Social Justice Fellow

The New Israel Fund/Shatil Social Justice Fellowship enables a cadre of Jewish young adults from outside Israel to spend 10 months immersed in Israel’s civil society sector committed to equality and justice.

Social Justice Fellows spend 32 hours per week interning in an approved, individually-selected Israeli non-governmental organization (NGO) active in one of NIFC’s focus areas. Additionally, fellows engage in monthly enrichment programs and site visits to further develop their understanding of Israel, Israeli social justice work, and their role as social leaders both in Israel and at home. In 2012 Samara Carrell of Winnipeg MB is the Canadian Social Justice Fellow. She will be interning with the Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel (ASSAF).