Across Difference: Building Shared Society in the Shadow of War

In the wake of the devastating October 7 attacks, Israeli society is stratified and fearful. A sense of being stuck, siloed, and afraid of the other pervades. Coming together across difference is more difficult and more important than ever, as Palestinian and Jewish citizens return to work, school, and other points of contact together. These workplaces and universities, the mixed cities where Palestinian and Jewish citizens live side-by-side, and the Negev, where Bedouins lack adequate access to bomb shelters and missile defense, all face unique challenges. However, in this uncertain moment, they also provide models for building a truly shared society between all Israeli citizens. The Abraham Initiatives has been working to harness this potential for over 30 years, building shared society via advocacy, education, municipal politics, and more, and envisioning a future for Israel that is fully equal and shared. To discuss this future, join us for a conversation with Jimmy Taber, The Abraham Initiative’s International Development Director.

Jimmy Taber serves as the International Development Director of The Abraham Initiatives, an Israeli organization working to build a shared society with full and equal access to citizenship for all Israelis – Jewish and Palestinian. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he earned his BA in Critical Theory and Social Justice from Occidental College and his MA and MBA from Brandeis University’s Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program and The Heller School for Social Policy and Management. Prior to joining The Abraham Initiatives, Jimmy worked with organizations including the New Israel Fund and Center for International Migration and Integration at JDC-Israel.