Shared society in Israel
Long-term partnerships that promote equality, inclusion and shared citizenship
"Pears Foundation's partnership has been vital in enabling AJEEC-NISPED to develop innovative programmes that promote Arab-Jewish cooperation across Israel. Their long-term support, grounded in a deep understanding of our organisation, has given us the confidence to grow in line with our priorities and create lasting impact for the communities we serve.Ilan Amit and Sliman Al-Amour,
Co-CEOs, AJEEC-NISPED
Israeli society is home to remarkable diversity, but also significant inequalities and deep social divisions. Creating a society in which all citizens can participate fully, contribute equally and live alongside one another with mutual respect is both a long-term challenge and a long-term opportunity.
For more than two decades, Pears Foundation has partnered with organisations working to strengthen shared society in Israel. We support organisations working at different levels, from influencing national policy and public attitudes to developing local leadership and strengthening communities. Together, these partnerships help create a more equal, inclusive and resilient society.
Our work spans policy, education and community development, but two examples illustrate our approach particularly well: supporting organisations that strengthen the wider ecosystem for shared society, and investing in long-term partnerships that create lasting change within communities.
Promoting shared citizenship
We support a network of organisations working to strengthen equality and shared citizenship across Israeli society. Together, they tackle different aspects of the challenge, from influencing public policy and changing public attitudes to increasing economic inclusion and creating more inclusive educational environments.
Our partners include The Abraham Initiatives, the aChord Center, Co-Impact and the Diversity and Inclusion Unit at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Together, they help create the conditions in which a more equal and inclusive society can flourish.
Community-led change
Since 2008, we have provided unrestricted funding to AJEEC-NISPED, an Arab-Jewish organisation founded by Arab and Jewish leaders in the south of Israel and dedicated to equality, empowerment and cooperation between Arab and Jewish citizens.
From its roots in the Bedouin community of the Negev, AJEEC-NISPED has grown into a nationally recognised organisation working across youth leadership, community resilience and Arab-Jewish partnership. Its programmes support early childhood development, volunteering, health, education and leadership, while creating opportunities for people from different communities to work together towards shared goals.
Our long-term partnership has enabled AJEEC-NISPED to grow sustainably while remaining responsive to the changing needs of the communities it serves.
Alongside these partnerships, we support organisations investing in the next generation of leaders, including Citizens Build a Community in Lod and the International Award for Young People in Israel. We also provide unrestricted funding to the Hand in Hand integrated schools network and New Israel Fund UK, both of which play an important role in advancing equality, democracy and shared society.
Together, these partnerships reflect our belief that lasting change depends on strengthening civil society through the organisations, communities and leaders shaping Israel’s shared future.