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voices ed from the struggle for Israel’s soul as a peaceful and democratic state. As Israel nears 60 years of independence, the NIForum started a conversation addressing the toughest challenges facing Israel’s future. But that is just the beginning. With participants demonstrating so much enthusiasm, NIF intends to hold similar events, both “real” and virtual, increasingly in coming years. Through nuanced debate and the determination to break down the taboos surrounding discussion of authentic Israeli issues, NIF is striving to build a community of progressive, outspoken Diaspora supporters, who can strengthen and amplify the voices supporting liberal, secular democracy in Israel.
Shout it Out: Protests Give a Voice to the Disempowered 2007 was a year for empowerment. With assistance from NIF and Shatil, thousands of Israelis contributed their voices to fight the injustices confronting them and their communities.
In July, nearly 1,000 demonstrators descended upon Jerusalem to protest the increased demolitions of Bedouin homes and evictions in the unrecognized villages of the Negev. The catalyst for the protest was the June demolition of more than 20 Bedouin homes in the unrecognized village of Um Al Hiran, to clear space for Hiran, a new Jewish village. The demolition set off alarm bells for the Bedouin as the police, for the first time, destroyed an entire village and confiscated all of the inhabitants’ belongings. Demolitions increased dramatically in 2007, with an estimated 300 homes destroyed, compared to 218 homes demolished between 2001 and 2006. Following the protest, the government proposed a one-year moratorium on demolitions. Unfortunately, the moratorium was not implemented and demolitions continue. NIF and its partners will continue to lobby, engage in community outreach and educate the public to obtain a fair and humane solution for the Bedouin community.
In November, NIF organized anti-racism protests before the Premiere League soccer matches in Israel. The events were part of the Football against Racism in Europe (FARE) Action Week, which included anti-racism activities in 38 countries across Europe. The central anti-racism event preceded Beitar Jerusalem’s match with Maccabi Tel Aviv. The match was televised live and, prior to the game, children and players from both teams came onto the field wearing NIF ”Kick It Out” shirts and balloons were released into the air carrying anti-racism slogans. Also, during the 2006-07 season, the Israel Football Association began fining clubs for the racist behavior of their fans, using the reports from NIF observers as evidence. NIF is further intensifying its education activities and is involving the leading Jewish and Arab soccer stars, many of whom are role models for the fans. Also in November, hundreds of African refugees, accompanied by a like number of mostly young Israelis, trekked down Sderot Rothschild