News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) The number of young Arab Israelis volunteering for civil service has doubled, according to Haaretz.  280 young Arabs participated in the year-long voluntary service program last year, while 560 will participate this year.

The number has increased despite vigorous attempts by many Arab groups to discourage Arab participation in civil service.  Recent advertisements in the Arab sector have warned youth not to join state volunteer programs, calling them “an offshoot of the IDF.”  Despite this year’s increase, most young Arabs continue to avoid both military and civil service.