A program aimed at distributing Israeli ID cards to young Arab residents of Jerusalem has met with success despite anger in the capital over IDF operations in Gaza, and the demolition of illegal structures in the capital.
Almost 2,000 Arab high school students have applied for ID cards this year compared to just 355 when the program began seven years ago. Those running the program said they were “pleasantly surprised” that the number of young students applying for ID cards was roughly the same this year as in previous years.
The program is run in coordination with Arab high schools, with 20 schools currently participating.
While Israel has considered Arab residents of Jerusalem to be permanent residents since the eastern half of the city was restored in the 1967 Six Day War, many Arabs were initially reluctant to accept Israeli ID cards, an act often seen as showing acceptance of Israeli sovereignty in the city.
Acceptance of the cards has soared in recent years, however, despite the negative connotations. The cards allow their holders to work in Israel, join a national health maintenance program and collect state benefits.
Participation was expected to drop this year due to what has appeared to be growing alienation among Arab residents of Jerusalem. Thousands of Arab residents of the city rioted in January against the counterterrorist Cast Lead operation in Gaza, and tension has been high over demolition orders issued to dozens of Arab-owned structures built on a historic site near the Old City.
The five terrorist attacks that took place in the city over the past 13 months were all carried out by Arab residents of Jerusalem.