The community, media and policy makers have been impacted by their message and actions on the ground for integration and reconciliation.
The Need: A new phenomena is happening in Jerusalem where Christians are beginning to want to be integrated into Israeli society as equal citizens and to begin to enjoy all their rights and fulfilling all their duties, whilst retaining their unique culture and religious identity as Aramaic Christians. This project assists these Christians to begin to integrate and to move from being in a parallel society toward joining all aspects of Israel’s vibrant democracy. The main pillars used to overcome barriers to integration are through Hebrew language courses, educational and enrichment programs, and providing assistance to overcome Israeli bureaucracy (which prevents many Christians from obtaining their full rights).
The Solution: The Jerusalem Initiative project will benefit Christians from the Old City and East Jerusalem who live in Israel and want to integrate into Israeli society. The project will take place over the year of 2023 onwards and the activities will take place in Jerusalem, with 5 trips around the country.
Christians in the Middle East face persecution on different levels of severity throughout all the countries in the region. This has led to large waves of emigration and the dwindling of local Christian communities of all denominations. Israel remains the only country in the region where Christians feel safe and can thrive. Following the recent spread of radical Islamic ideology throughout the region (e.g. ISIS), many Arabic speaking Christians in Israel have come to see their future more as partners of a democracy.
This project builds true bridges bringing equality and prosperity to all faiths that want to access their rights and contribute to the country they live in - Israel.
Provide assistants to Christians to integrate into Israeli society through Hebrew language courses, educational and enrichment programs, and providing assistance to overcome Israeli bureaucracy.