'It's an important and positive plan, and it shows that we don't just talk about co-existence – we practice it,' Rivlin said.
Knesset Speaker MK Reuven Rivlin has praised a new plan proposed by the government to help improve the standard of living of Israel's Arab citizens. The plan would establish a fund, which would provide as much as a billion shekels for investment in education and jobs for the Arab sector.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at an Arab college in Haifa, Rivlin said that “the plan is definitely an important one. Even if there is some debate on exactly how the funds will be distributed and the purposes to which the money will be dedicated, it's an important and positive plan, and it shows that we don't just talk about co-existence – we practice it."
“The social and economic differences between the Jewish and Arab populations [in Israel], in education, labor, and infrastructure, are significant. I believe that closing these gaps is not just a matter of economics or values, but it is also a true interest of Israeli society,” Rivlin said. “Ignoring these needs will cause great damage to our ability to live together, Arabs and Jews, as citizens of the country.” Rivlin added that Arabs and Jews did not know enough about each other – and that this was a problem that should be corrected as well.
The negative attitudes of Arab and Jewish youth to each other did not come out of nowhere, he said, but come from ignorance and prejudice on both sides. Addressing teachers at the school, Rivlin said that it was up to them to “lower the flames and encourage students to participate in democratic experiences that can bring about real change, such as the program adopted by the government, which has the potential to bring about such change.” Rivlin stressed the success of a program that brings Israeli Arab students to the Knesset for regular visits.