Series of recommendations to improve the standing of Israeli Arabs. Olmert
צילום: רויטרס
Government to promote minorities
Cabinet accepts decision by Olmert to encourage ministries to hire more Arabs; Finance Ministry will create additional positions for Arab employees
For every Jewish worker replaced by an Arab worker at a government ministry from now on, the Finance Ministry will provide funds for the creation of an additional position for an Arab employee, the government decided on Sunday.
The recommendation, made by Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, is one of a series of recommendations to improve the standing of Israeli Arabs, the disabled population, and immigrants from Ethiopia in the government ministries.
According to the recommendation, between 2006 and 2008, the State Service Commissioner will finance 37.5 new services for government ministries a year, for candidates from among the Arab, Druze, and Circassian minorities, meaning an overall 112.5 new positions for Arabs in the government.
The condition set for the package is that "only candidates fit for the role" become employees.
Aim: Affirmative action
In addition, the government decision to establish an army training center in the Negev Junction area has been delayed by three months, after a brief by Dr. Yossi Inbar from the Environment Ministry showed of the potential harm the large military base could cause to its surroundings.
In this week's government meeting, ministers were asked to approve a series of decisions to correct discrimination which existed until now against the three populations.
The claim was made on the basis of the claim that Arabs, Ethiopian immigrants, and disabled people are not receiving their fair representation in government ministries.
