Top 10 Reasons Why Israeli Arabs Are Often Perceived as Second-Class Citizens

Israelis: Do you see Arab-Israelis as "second-class" citizens?

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Here on VT, I often cover the very tough and ugly issues of Israel and Palestine; of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. But the reason I do is that, in the end, I aim to find a way forward for everyone to live well, care for their families, and be part of our greater planet of humanity that loves, cares, and breaks bread together as one.

Now to move forward, we need to acknowledge that the world is NOT yet where I and almost all of us want it to be.  We are still dealing with racism, bigotry, hate, and mistrust. I know this is ingrained in the older generations.

But I also know that the young generations really despise the older generations for attempting to hand off their failed 20th-century baggage that they simply do NOT want.

In Israel, while so much of it has positives e.g. … technology, modernity, organization, medical facilities, pensions for all, amazing youth that want real peace and more, it still has that underlying issue that the older crusty European Settler Class is better than the indigenous people class that have been in the lands for centuries upon centuries living.

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In fact, the status of Israeli Arabs within Israel’s diverse society has long been a topic of debate and discussion. While Israel prides itself on being a democracy that guarantees equal rights to all its citizens, a significant portion of the Arab population living within its borders feels marginalized and disenfranchised.

So to better understand, this article explores the top 10 reasons why Israeli Arabs are sometimes perceived as second-class citizens.

1. Historical Context

One of the most critical factors contributing to the perception of Israeli Arabs as second-class citizens is the historical context. The Arab-Israeli conflict, rooted in decades of territorial disputes, has created deep divisions that still persist today. This historical animosity often impacts the treatment of Israeli Arabs.

2. Unequal Allocation of Resources

Israeli Arabs often face disparities in the allocation of resources, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Many Arab communities lack the same level of government funding and investment as their Jewish counterparts, leading to significant disparities in living conditions and opportunities.

3. Discriminatory Land Policies

Land ownership and allocation have been contentious issues in Israel’s history. Arab citizens of Israel face restrictions on land ownership and allocation, which can limit their economic prospects and access to housing in certain areas.

4. Disproportionate Law Enforcement

There are allegations of disproportionate law enforcement in Arab communities, leading to a perception of police discrimination. This includes incidents of excessive use of force and arrests, further deepening mistrust between Israeli Arabs and law enforcement agencies.

5. Language Barrier

Hebrew is the official language of Israel, which can create a significant language barrier for Arabic-speaking citizens. Access to essential services and job opportunities may be limited for those who do not speak Hebrew fluently.

6. Political Underrepresentation

Despite being approximately 20% of the population, Israeli Arabs are often underrepresented in the country’s political landscape. This underrepresentation can result in policies that do not adequately address the needs and concerns of the Arab community.

7. Limited Economic Opportunities

Many Israeli Arabs face economic challenges, including higher unemployment rates and lower income levels compared to their Jewish counterparts. Limited access to quality education and job opportunities can contribute to this disparity.

8. Legal Inequalities

Legal inequalities can contribute to the perception of Israeli Arabs as second-class citizens. For example, laws related to citizenship, marriage, and family reunification often favor Jewish citizens, making it more difficult for Israeli Arabs to reunite with family members from other countries.

9. Social Stigmatization

Social stigmatization is another significant factor. Prejudice and stereotypes can lead to discrimination in various aspects of daily life, from housing to employment, further reinforcing the perception of second-class citizenship.

10. Identity and Loyalty

The question of loyalty to the state is a complex issue for Israeli Arabs. Some Israeli Arabs may be seen as having divided loyalties due to their Palestinian identity. This perception can influence how they are treated by certain segments of Israeli society.

This needs to be our vision of the world; not apartheid, hate, bigotry, and mistrust. So get on board!

Conclusion

While Israel is a diverse democracy that affords equal rights to its citizens, the perception of Israeli Arabs as second-class citizens persists due to historical, social, economic, and political factors.

It is crucial to recognize these challenges and work towards a more inclusive society where all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, can fully participate and enjoy the benefits of Israeli citizenship.

Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach involving government policies, civil society efforts, and a commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among all of Israel’s communities.

John Graham Mellor, known professionally as Joe Strummer, was a British singer-songwriter and musician. He was the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist, and co-lead vocalist of the punk rock band The Clash, formed in 1976. The Clash’s second studio album Give ‘Em Enough Rope reached No. 2 on the UK charts.

Joe Strummer from The Clash was quoted saying “The Future is Unwritten”. And he is right!  We can write the story as we choose and so I appeal to all Israelis and Palestinians to reject the failures of the 20th Century and embrace a new paradigm whereby brotherhood is the foundation of our connections and not non-sensical division sold by echoes of a failed past.


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1 COMMENT

  1. Israeli Arabs Are Often Perceived as Second-Class Citizens?
    Isreali Arabs are good if they are considered 4th class citizens in Israel.
    These are the different classes they have in Israel before Palestinian Arabs:
    1- Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe
    2- Sephardic Jews of Spain
    3- Mirzrahi Jews (with a cultural background in North Africa, M-East & India)
    4- Ethiopian Jews, known as Beta Israel but named Falasha (meaning stranger or exile in Ge’ez)
    5- Druze (they serve in the Israeli army)
    6- Arab Israelis (Christians & Moslems)
    So where on this list are Arab Christians and Moslems considered second class citizens, please?