Science and Technology Minister Matan Vilnai unveiled plans on Wednesday to set up a Research and Development Center for the Druze community in the Galilee.
The center’s location will be chosen in light of the concentration of the Druze community in the north. Being an extension for other major research centers in the Galilee, the center will provide services that will allow the Druze community to conduct basic research about its needs.
The project comes as part of a ministerial plan to boost research and development practices in the north and south of the country through funneling additional funds to existing community centers and creating new facilities in deprived areas.
“The center will conduct studies in applicable fields unique to the community, with the aim of improving the economic and social standing of the area. Studies conducted in the center will focus on solving the problems of this region and will also contribute to general Israeli studies,” Vilnai said.
Another purpose will be to encourage social interaction, expose the community to science, and improve the inhabitants’ income and education. The ministry also hopes the project will give the community access to major research and development studies conducted throughout the country.
Minister Vilnai noticed the lack of research and development centers in Druze areas (in comparison to other communities) when he first occupied the post and decided to take action. Vilnai believes the center will eventually improve the quality of Druze life by finding scientific solutions to problems specific to the community.
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