Especially Now, Education for Coexistence Is Essential

The events of the October 2023 war shook Israeli society to its core. They not only disrupted our sense of personal security but also exposed deep social rifts that had long been simmering beneath the surface, erupting dramatically in the aftermath of this devastating crisis. Yet, within this profound societal upheaval lies a unique opportunity to address one of the most critical challenges before us: fostering coexistence between Jews and Arabs. What may seem like a distant dream is, in fact, the key to building a more united and resilient society.

A Complex Reality

The Social Barometer of the Center for Jewish Impact, which tracks public attitudes on pressing societal issues, paints a nuanced picture. Currently, only 36% of Israelis believe in the possibility of coexistence between Jews and Arabs. However, 63% of the population believes that Israel can become a cohesive society despite its divisions. This optimism reflects a deep-seated belief in the potential of Israeli society to transcend its differences and create a shared future.

At the same time, 89% of the public feels that ideological polarization in Israel has intensified since the war, with 47% identifying a shift to the political right. This polarization is not merely a consequence of the war but also a result of divisive public discourse, often driven by political leaders and extreme media outlets. This rhetoric has only widened the gaps and distanced us from the ideals of cooperation and mutual trust.

The Challenge: Bridging Belief and Division

The gap between the 36% who believe in coexistence and the 63% who believe in social cohesion raises a fundamental question: how do we reconcile the narrow lens on Jewish-Arab relations with the broader hope for a united community? The answer lies in a transformative approach to education.

The education system holds the key to driving social change. Teaching coexistence isn’t just an abstract goal—it’s a practical tool for equipping future generations with the skills to build a society founded on mutual respect and collaboration across all sectors of Israeli society.

How Do We Prepare the Next Generation?

• Revise the curriculum: Include topics such as multicultural history, the contributions of Arab society, and shared values that transcend ethnic and religious divides.
• Facilitate meaningful interactions: Create opportunities for students from different sectors to meet in schools, youth movements, and informal educational frameworks. These shared experiences can break down stigmas and broaden horizons.
• Train educators: Develop specialized training programs for teachers to lead discussions on tolerance and coexistence, ensuring they have the tools to foster open, respectful dialogue.

These steps are both achievable and vital for creating lasting change.

Coexistence: A Catalyst for Social and Economic Growth

Coexistence isn’t a standalone “project”; it’s an existential necessity for Israeli society. The finding that 63% of Israelis believe in social cohesion highlights an intuitive understanding that our society can overcome its divisions. However, achieving this goal requires addressing the growing ideological polarization, a major challenge that threatens the fabric of our shared existence.

To counter this trend, we must shift the focus of public discourse. Instead of emphasizing our differences, we need to highlight what unites us. Public campaigns should showcase successful partnerships between Jews and Arabs, while government initiatives should actively encourage joint economic and community projects.

The measured and moderate response of Arab society during the recent war can serve as a foundation for renewed dialogue. However, this will require courageous leadership—leaders willing to prioritize the collective good over narrow sectoral or ideological interests. Policymakers should establish a national authority for coexistence to coordinate and promote intersectoral collaboration. Additionally, we must continue to measure trust levels between Jews and Arabs and analyze emerging trends to ensure our efforts are effective.

A Vision for a Shared Future

The events of October 2023 left Israeli society more divided and wounded than ever before. Yet, beneath the pain, a glimmer of hope remains. As the Social Barometer of the Center for Jewish Impact demonstrates, the belief in social cohesion persists despite the challenges. We must harness this hope to drive educational, economic, and cultural initiatives that can pave the way for a new reality.

As a Druze Israeli citizen and an educator who has led institutions in both the Jewish and Arab sectors, I call on all of us to take responsibility for our shared future. Only a society rooted in tolerance and mutual respect can be strong and united. Education for coexistence is not just a goal—it is the means to secure a future of hope and genuine partnership in the State of Israel.

Dr. Amal Amer
Attorney, Mediator, Lecturer, and Researcher in Education Policy
Fellow at the Center for Jewish Impact