The Yisrael Beiteinu Party is set to donate over $128,600 to the Social Justice Foundation, which works to recruit Israeli Arab volunteers for national service, following a meeting Tuesday between Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman and foundation chairman Ataf el-Tarani.
Lieberman stressed that his decision to aid the foundation stemmed from civic reasons that outweighed political considerations. “These people need to feel wanted here in Israel and not the other way around…the volunteering issue is a crucial one, this kind of volunteer work can bridge gaps between Jews and Arabs and carries a positive message.”
The minister further noted that the volunteers’ "willingness to identify with the state of Israel indicates that this foundation truly builds bridges between the two peoples. Anyone who is willing to volunteer for Israel is
just as much a citizen as I am.”
Chairman of the Social Justice Foundation, Ataf el-Tarani, told Ynet that the foundation approached several government minister and Knesset members, but in the end only Lieberman would help them. El-Tarani said that many Arab youths want to volunteer for national service but fear they will be physically and verbally harassed as a result.
“According to a recent poll, 76% of Israeli Arabs would like to volunteer, but we cannot reach them all and therefore need additional support,” he said.
El-Tarani also stated that some Arab clerics support the volunteer cause, but are afraid to come forward. Rizan Marlan, a foundation coordinator, said she has been threatened repeatedly over the phone and was once even physically assaulted.
This does not deter her from continuing to work, however.
“I believe in what I do. I mainly recruit girls from the Arab sector for volunteer work, and I see nothing work with our girls aiding the elderly,” she said.
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