Moderator: Brig. Gen. (ret.) Dr. Meir Elran
Dr. Mohammer Alnabari, Prof. Mohammad Essawi and Ms. Ola Nagmi Yusef
The panel, moderated by Dr. Meir Elran, dealt with the tension between the desire for integration and particularism within Arab society in Israel. Ms. Ola Nagmi Yusef maintains that there is an important joint future for Arab society and Jewish society in Israel, despite numerous obstacles. Civil society can contribute a great deal – for example, women’s groups that bring together Jewish and Arab efforts. Ultimately, however, the responsibility for advances in Arab society – including a reduction in violence – rests on the state. There must be a strong triangle built of three strong legs: Jewish society, Arab society, and the state. Dr. Mohammer Alnabari believes that there is major potential for Israel within the Bedouin society, as the Bedouins comprise a major component of the Negev. A proven model that as the head of a municipality he built within a specific socioeconomic group is relevant for other groups, and has the potential to allow tremendous advances with the Bedouin society. Initiative and the quest for change must come from with the society, and be advanced by the state. Prof. Mohammad Essawi likewise spoke of the critical interface between a traditional Arab society and the state, which must recognize the reality of traditional Arab structures but can introduce new values and approaches, and enable new advances. The Arab society must be open to this – and the state must facilitate it.