A Shared Society in Israel: Palestinian Citizens of Israel and Israel’s Democratic Future
Thursday, May 14 • 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
At a time of deep political uncertainty and growing inequality, the strength of a shared, democratic future in Israel depends on addressing the urgent challenges facing Palestinian citizens of Israel, supporting Palestinian civil society, and building meaningful partnerships across communities.
Join the New Israel Fund, in partnership with Congregation Rodeph Sholom, for a timely and important conversation featuring:
- Mickey Gitzin, Acting CEO of the New Israel Fund
- Dr. Nasreen Hadad Haj-Yahya, Director of the Arab-Jewish Relations Program at the Israel Democracy Institute, NIF board member, and leading expert on Arab society in Israel
Together, Mickey and Nasreen will explore key issues impacting Palestinian society in Israel, including:
- Rising crime and violence
- Inequities in government investment
- The status of unrecognized Bedouin communities in the Negev
- Efforts to advance democracy, equality, and a shared society
About the Speakers
Mickey Gitzin
Mickey Gitzin is the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the New Israel Fund. He previously served as Executive Director of NIF in Israel from 2017 to 2025. Prior to joining NIF, Mickey was the founding director of Israel Hofsheet (Be Free Israel), a grassroots organization advocating for religious freedom in Israel.
He has also served as:
- A city council member in Tel Aviv-Jaffa
- A spokesperson for MK Ilan Gilon (Meretz)
- Associate Director of Festival BeShekel, supporting arts and culture in Israel’s geographic and socioeconomic periphery
- A shaliach (emissary) in South Bend, Indiana for the Jewish Agency for Israel.
Dr. Nasreen Hadad Haj-Yahya
Dr. Nasreen Hadad Haj-Yahya is a leading researcher on Arab society in Israel, with expertise in public policy areas including education, employment, representation, and social mobility.
She currently serves as:
- Director of the Arab-Jewish Relations Program at the Israel Democracy Institute (since 2015)
- A Partner at the Portland Trust (since 2019)
In 2020, she co-founded NAS-ناس Research and Consulting Ltd, a firm specializing in Arab society in Israel. She also led the Diversity in the Teachers’ Lounge initiative at the Merchavim Institute, working with the Ministry of Education to integrate Arab teachers into Jewish schools.
A native of Ramla, Dr. Hadad Haj-Yahya focuses on bridging socio-economic gaps between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel. She holds an MA in Education and Social Geography and a PhD from Tel Aviv University, and currently serves as a Vice President on the NIF board.
At a time of deep political uncertainty and growing inequality, the strength of a shared, democratic future in Israel depends on addressing the urgent challenges facing Palestinian citizens of Israel, supporting Palestinian civil society, and building meaningful partnerships across communities.
Join the New Israel Fund, in partnership with Congregation Rodeph Sholom, for a timely and important conversation featuring:
- Mickey Gitzin, Acting CEO of the New Israel Fund
- Dr. Nasreen Hadad Haj-Yahya, Director of the Arab-Jewish Relations Program at the Israel Democracy Institute, NIF board member, and leading expert on Arab society in Israel
Together, Mickey and Nasreen will explore key issues impacting Palestinian society in Israel, including:
- Rising crime and violence
- Inequities in government investment
- The status of unrecognized Bedouin communities in the Negev
- Efforts to advance democracy, equality, and a shared society
About the Speakers
Mickey Gitzin
Mickey Gitzin is the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the New Israel Fund. He previously served as Executive Director of NIF in Israel from 2017 to 2025. Prior to joining NIF, Mickey was the founding director of Israel Hofsheet (Be Free Israel), a grassroots organization advocating for religious freedom in Israel.
He has also served as:
- A city council member in Tel Aviv-Jaffa
- A spokesperson for MK Ilan Gilon (Meretz)
- Associate Director of Festival BeShekel, supporting arts and culture in Israel’s geographic and socioeconomic periphery
- A shaliach (emissary) in South Bend, Indiana for the Jewish Agency for Israel.
Dr. Nasreen Hadad Haj-Yahya
Dr. Nasreen Hadad Haj-Yahya is a leading researcher on Arab society in Israel, with expertise in public policy areas including education, employment, representation, and social mobility.
She currently serves as:
- Director of the Arab-Jewish Relations Program at the Israel Democracy Institute (since 2015)
- A Partner at the Portland Trust (since 2019)
In 2020, she co-founded NAS-ناس Research and Consulting Ltd, a firm specializing in Arab society in Israel. She also led the Diversity in the Teachers’ Lounge initiative at the Merchavim Institute, working with the Ministry of Education to integrate Arab teachers into Jewish schools.
A native of Ramla, Dr. Hadad Haj-Yahya focuses on bridging socio-economic gaps between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel. She holds an MA in Education and Social Geography and a PhD from Tel Aviv University, and currently serves as a Vice President on the NIF board.
