Israël

In the intricate tapestry of Israel's cultural landscape, a vibrant hue stands out, drawing attention to the richness of African artistry and the disparities that persist in its recognition and representation. At the heart of this endeavor lies the African Israeli Stage (AIS), a non-governmental organization dedicated to rectifying structural imbalances of how the arts – particularly African-originated arts –  are promoted and presented within Israel.

AIS operates as a beacon of inclusivity, striving to amplify the voices of African playwrights and authors whose works often dwell in the realms of contemporary and classical creation. Beyond artistic expression, AIS stages universal productions that delve into the multifaceted experiences of black immigrants, migrant workers, and refugees navigating Israel's complex socio-cultural landscape.

Central to the AIS's repertoire are authentic narratives that shed light on the intricacies of identity, belonging, and the human condition and dare to dream about change for all people and fight against oppression and racism to create a more open society. Theater work, like life itself, is based on dialogue and listening.

Through its efforts, the AIS serves as a catalyst for change, challenging existing norms and advocating for a more equitable and inclusive arts sector. As we embark on this journey of exploration and introspection, let us support the African Israeli Stage in its mission to create a stage where every voice is heard and every story is valued.

The African Israeli Stage, led by Dr. Yaffa Schuster as CEO and Artistic Director, will perform Wole Soyinka’s 'The Road' at the National Theatre. This return promises yet another exceptional theatrical experience, showcasing the richness of African storytelling and talent.AIS has previously staged other Nigerian classics, such as Soyinka’s 'The Lion and the Jewel' and 'The Legendary Inikpi' by Prof. Emmy Idegu, receiving critical acclaim, and ‘The Mad Refugee’ written by Yaser Abdalla, performed at the prestigious Jaffa Festival; ‘A Dance of the Forests,’ written by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and staged at Habima Theatre, July 2014. For more information

We are looking forward to upcoming performances.

Upcoming Online training session for the Anna Lindh Israeli Network on        Diverse Management During Conflict: Focus on Arab-Jewish Relations by the  

JICC: The Jerusalem Intercultural Center an Anna Lindh Israeli Network organization that is actively working to support diverse communities affected by the recent conflict in Israel.  

On December 5, 2023, JICC’s Ms. Orna Shani Golan will be leading an online workshop on Diverse Management During Conflict: Focus on Arab-Jewish Relations.  

Since the beginning of the war on October 7, JICC’s team has been working tirelessly in West and East Jerusalem as well as in other cities, meeting with local organizations that have diverse populations on resilience and reducing escalation. JICC is an independent non-profit organization established in 1999 with a vision for an inclusive, tolerant, and vibrant Jerusalem for all. They work at the individual, communal, and institutional levels in order to strengthen civil society, build community resilience, and alleviate conditions of urban inequality.  

JICC utilizes two primary support approaches. Citywide Cultural Competence aims to ensure that all Jerusalem residents have excellent and just access to all services and public spaces. Meanwhile, Cross-Cultural Community Engagement focuses on involving community stakeholders to actively impact the city. 

JICC’s initiatives include assisting displaced individuals, providing crucial support to East Jerusalemite communities, empowering women volunteers, and fostering communication between different ethnic groups. JICC also engages with governmental bodies, mobilizes grassroots initiatives, and advocates for calm and unity in Jerusalem amidst escalating tensions.  

One such initiative is Mini-Active, where 2,000 women volunteers spread across 16 East Jerusalemite neighborhoods to identify impediments to normal functioning: access for children (including those with special needs) and teachers to schools, public transport, hazards and hygiene such as garbage collection, and basic access to medical facilities.  

Their needs are communicated to the municipality and the IDF Home Command in real-time. This enables residents to carry out their lives peacefully and independently, thereby reducing friction. The network is also holding video conferences and in-person workshops to provide women with a safe space to discuss and process unique stressors resulting from the war. These include a lack of shelters, heavy police presence in neighborhoods, lack of food, lack of income, and widespread unemployment.   

Within the Anna Lindh Israeli Network, JICC's unwavering commitment to inclusive support and community empowerment shines through their efforts, advocating for resilience, equity, and unity amidst the complexities of conflict in Israel.  

Diverse Management

Upcoming Online training session for the Anna Lindh Israeli Network on        Diverse Management During Conflict: Focus on Arab-Jewish Relations by the  

JICC: The Jerusalem Intercultural Center an Anna Lindh Israeli Network organization that is actively working to support diverse communities affected by the recent conflict in Israel.  

On December 5, 2023, JICC’s Ms. Orna Shani Golan will be leading an online workshop on Diverse Management During Conflict: Focus on Arab-Jewish Relations.  

Since the beginning of the war on October 7, JICC’s team has been working tirelessly in West and East Jerusalem as well as in other cities, meeting with local organizations that have diverse populations on resilience and reducing escalation. JICC is an independent non-profit organization established in 1999 with a vision for an inclusive, tolerant, and vibrant Jerusalem for all. They work at the individual, communal, and institutional levels in order to strengthen civil society, build community resilience, and alleviate conditions of urban inequality.  

JICC utilizes two primary support approaches. Citywide Cultural Competence aims to ensure that all Jerusalem residents have excellent and just access to all services and public spaces. Meanwhile, Cross-Cultural Community Engagement focuses on involving community stakeholders to actively impact the city. 

JICC’s initiatives include assisting displaced individuals, providing crucial support to East Jerusalemite communities, empowering women volunteers, and fostering communication between different ethnic groups. JICC also engages with governmental bodies, mobilizes grassroots initiatives, and advocates for calm and unity in Jerusalem amidst escalating tensions.  

One such initiative is Mini-Active, where 2,000 women volunteers spread across 16 East Jerusalemite neighborhoods to identify impediments to normal functioning: access for children (including those with special needs) and teachers to schools, public transport, hazards and hygiene such as garbage collection, and basic access to medical facilities.  

Their needs are communicated to the municipality and the IDF Home Command in real-time. This enables residents to carry out their lives peacefully and independently, thereby reducing friction. The network is also holding video conferences and in-person workshops to provide women with a safe space to discuss and process unique stressors resulting from the war. These include a lack of shelters, heavy police presence in neighborhoods, lack of food, lack of income, and widespread unemployment.   

Within the Anna Lindh Israeli Network, JICC's unwavering commitment to inclusive support and community empowerment shines through their efforts, advocating for resilience, equity, and unity amidst the complexities of conflict in Israel.  

Diverse Management

A Holistic Home-Based Therapeutic Project for Affected Bedouin Families in the Israeli Negev.

A New Dawn in The Negev

The Bedouin society in the Negev is an inseparable part of Israel in general and the Negev in particular. The current war has strengthened this relationship unfortunately because the Bedouin society has suffered over 20 losses and about 10 individuals are missing or kidnapped.

A New Dawn in the Negev was mobilized at this difficult time to provide mental first aid and initiate a project whose goal is to create a mechanism of caregivers who will come to the homes of the affected families and accompany them in a continuous manner appropriate to their needs within the confines of the family home.

The project will monitor and respond to the development of anxiety, addictions, and violence that occur following the traumatic events and, finally, accompany the affected population who are neglected and in need of immediate assistance.

Currently, over 21 families of the murdered and about 10 families of the missing/kidnapped are known. Sadly, these are approximate numbers as not all details are available as a result of the enormity of the violence and destruction on October 7. It must be remembered that each such family consists of many women and children who are the main victims of the situation.

A New Dawn in the Negev and senior therapists from the Psychoanalytic Society in Israel teamed up to provide culturally adapted training and ongoing training for therapists who daily engage in trauma therapy.

There will be continuous dialogue between the teams in the field and between the accompanying instructors from the Psychoanalytic Society. Questions regarding the interface of the social and cultural needs of this specific population must be addressed. 

  Upon completion of the training, the caregivers will be sent to the families of the victims (as stated, in our estimation, there are approximately 40 families of victims) for about four hours a week.

  In addition, a hotline was established for psychological first aid for young Bedouins who are suffering from the effects of the war.  

A New Dawn in the Negev: A Bedouin-Jewish Community Development Organization in the Negev

EMPOWERING THE BEDOUIN COMMUNITY FROM WITHIN: The Negev is home to 240,000 Bedouin, approximately one-third of the region’s population. Negev Bedouin is Israel’s most disadvantaged community by far, with a poverty rate of 70%, widespread unemployment, significant school dropout rates, and a severe lack of public infrastructure. The community lives on the socio-geographic periphery, experiencing acute isolation, and its youth face tremendous struggles and uncertainty about the future. 

Founded in 2009, A New Dawn in the Negev is a Bedouin-Jewish community development organization providing educational, employment, and leadership opportunities for Bedouin youth and young adults, helping them become active, engaged members of society. Based in Rahat and working from within the community, they are inherently attuned to the multiple challenges that the community faces and seek to address these challenges at a grassroots level.

Focus Areas and Programs:

1) YOUTH CAPACITY BUILDING: Some 60% of the Bedouin community are below the age of 16. Bedouin youth have the capacity to generate profound socio-economic change if given the skills and opportunities to reach their full potential.

2) SHARED SOCIETY: A New Dawn promotes collaboration between groups that make up Israel's mosaic of identities and cultures, seeking to reduce fears and prejudices and create meaningful opportunities for community development

Programs:

 • The Living Together Conference promotes networking and creative ideas for Negev-based civil society organizations, government leaders, and business owners. 

• Holocaust Museum Guide Training for Bedouin educators.

 • Youth Cultural Exchange - delegations of Bedouin, Jewish, and European youth to learn from each other in a multicultural setting.

 • "Neighbors" Dialogue for Rahat Bedouins and Jews from several Bnei Shimon Regional Council region communities.

 • “Shared Living in the Negev” framework for joint community development projects for Bedouin and Jewish populations in the Negev. • Social Tourism for Israeli and international groups and individuals to become acquainted with Bedouin society. A New Dawn also provides training for aspiring Bedouin entrepreneurs (primarily women) who are interested in creating businesses and working within the local tourism context 

3) COMMUNITY RESILIENCE: The Bedouin population of the Negev faces a myriad of emotional issues due, among other factors, to their socio-cultural isolation and the transition from nomadic to modern society. There are very few mental health resources tailored to address these needs.

A New Dawn in the Negev would like to invite all Anna Lindh Israeli Network Members to plan a tour to understand more about the Bedouin-Jewish partnership in the Negev.

https://anewdawninthenegev.org/bedouin-tours/  

A Holistic Home-Based Therapeutic Project for Affected Bedouin Families in the Israeli Negev.

A New Dawn in The Negev

The Bedouin society in the Negev is an inseparable part of Israel in general and the Negev in particular. The current war has strengthened this relationship unfortunately because the Bedouin society has suffered over 20 losses and about 10 individuals are missing or kidnapped.

A New Dawn in the Negev was mobilized at this difficult time to provide mental first aid and initiate a project whose goal is to create a mechanism of caregivers who will come to the homes of the affected families and accompany them in a continuous manner appropriate to their needs within the confines of the family home.

The project will monitor and respond to the development of anxiety, addictions, and violence that occur following the traumatic events and, finally, accompany the affected population who are neglected and in need of immediate assistance.

Currently, over 21 families of the murdered and about 10 families of the missing/kidnapped are known. Sadly, these are approximate numbers as not all details are available as a result of the enormity of the violence and destruction on October 7. It must be remembered that each such family consists of many women and children who are the main victims of the situation.

A New Dawn in the Negev and senior therapists from the Psychoanalytic Society in Israel teamed up to provide culturally adapted training and ongoing training for therapists who daily engage in trauma therapy.

There will be continuous dialogue between the teams in the field and between the accompanying instructors from the Psychoanalytic Society. Questions regarding the interface of the social and cultural needs of this specific population must be addressed. 

  Upon completion of the training, the caregivers will be sent to the families of the victims (as stated, in our estimation, there are approximately 40 families of victims) for about four hours a week.

A New Dawn in the Negev: A Bedouin-Jewish Community Development Organization in the Negev

EMPOWERING THE BEDOUIN COMMUNITY FROM WITHIN: The Negev is home to 240,000 Bedouin, approximately one-third of the region’s population. Negev Bedouin is Israel’s most disadvantaged community by far, with a poverty rate of 70%, widespread unemployment, significant school dropout rates, and a severe lack of public infrastructure. The community lives on the socio-geographic periphery, experiencing acute isolation, and its youth face tremendous struggles and uncertainty about the future. 

Founded in 2009, A New Dawn in the Negev is a Bedouin-Jewish community development organization providing educational, employment, and leadership opportunities for Bedouin youth and young adults, helping them become active, engaged members of society. Based in Rahat and working from within the community, they are inherently attuned to the multiple challenges that the community faces and seek to address these challenges at a grassroots level.

Focus Areas and Programs:

1) YOUTH CAPACITY BUILDING: Some 60% of the Bedouin community are below the age of 16. Bedouin youth have the capacity to generate profound socio-economic change if given the skills and opportunities to reach their full potential.

2) SHARED SOCIETY: A New Dawn promotes collaboration between groups that make up Israel's mosaic of identities and cultures, seeking to reduce fears and prejudices and create meaningful opportunities for community development

Programs:

 • The Living Together Conference promotes networking and creative ideas for Negev-based civil society organizations, government leaders, and business owners. 

• Holocaust Museum Guide Training for Bedouin educators.

 • Youth Cultural Exchange - delegations of Bedouin, Jewish, and European youth to learn from each other in a multicultural setting.

 • "Neighbors" Dialogue for Rahat Bedouins and Jews from several Bnei Shimon Regional Council region communities.

 • “Shared Living in the Negev” framework for joint community development projects for Bedouin and Jewish populations in the Negev. • Social Tourism for Israeli and international groups and individuals to become acquainted with Bedouin society. A New Dawn also provides training for aspiring Bedouin entrepreneurs (primarily women) who are interested in creating businesses and working within the local tourism context 

3) COMMUNITY RESILIENCE: The Bedouin population of the Negev faces a myriad of emotional issues due, among other factors, to their socio-cultural isolation and the transition from nomadic to modern society. There are very few mental health resources tailored to address these needs.

A New Dawn in the Negev would like to invite all Anna Lindh Israeli Network Members to plan a tour to understand more about the Bedouin-Jewish partnership in the Negev.

https://anewdawninthenegev.org/bedouin-tours/  

Dedicated Peace Activist, Vivian Silver, from a Personal Perspective 

It is with great sorrow that we heard the news of Vivian Silver’s murder at the Hamas massacre that took place on October 7, 2023, and we share our condolences with her family, friends, and colleagues. Vivian was a renowned peace activist and the founder of one of the Anna Lindh Israeli Network Organization’s Arab-Jewish Center for Empowerment, Equality, and Cooperation – Negev Institute for Strategies of Peace and Economic Development, AJEEC NISPED.   

AJEEC NISPED, an integral part of the Israeli Anna Lindh Network, serves as a center for education, training, and project development for societies in transition. The institute is actively involved in developing and implementing numerous projects in the Negev region of Israel, focusing primarily on the Negev Bedouin community and initiatives promoting Jewish-Arab cooperation and shared society building.

 Vivian Silver's legacy extends beyond her role as a founder of AJEEC NISPED. She was a passionate peace activist, contributing significantly to organizations such as Women Wage Peace and The Road to Recovery, where she played a crucial role in driving sick Palestinians from Gaza to Israeli hospitals.

Tamar Engel, CEO of Oranim College, pays tribute to her friend, Vivian. She reflects, "Vivian established and managed many civil social NGOs and was devoted to creating peace within Israel and with our neighbors. Following Operation "Rock Ethan" in 2014, Vivian was there from the beginning of the Women Wage Peace movement, a broad movement of strong women dedicated to resolving the Palestinian issue through agreement and negotiation.” 

Engel further shares her personal connection with Vivian, expressing the profound impact Vivian had on her life. "I miss Vivian’s wisdom, broad knowledge, warmth, friendship, and love. It is unfathomable to me how people like Vivian, who longed to live in peace, encountered such cruelty. 

Engel, like all of us, was deeply concerned when we feared she was among the 240 hostages taken to Gaza. Engel says, “Now, I am hurting more after the identification of Vivian, my mentor from Kibbutz Be-eri.

 Vivian embodied compassion, wisdom, knowledge, love, and a commitment to peace. Despite her small stature, she exuded a radiant smile and extensive experience in leading social movements. Vivian’s understated yet powerful leadership style combined humility and humor in an irresistible manner. Engaging with her taught me invaluable lessons and allowed me to witness her remarkable talents. My heart aches from her loss.”