(haipo) – The "Cities Leading Change" conference was held in Haifa, led by Roni Arieli, founder of the project, with Yaakov Perry, head of the Shin Bet and former CEO of Cellcom. The conference featured a number of opinion leaders in the field of Jewish-Arab relations, with the focus on building a shared future here, in the Land of Israel, out of common interest.
A unique meeting as part of a project "Cities Leading Change" Held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Haifa. This is a groundbreaking social initiative that aims to bridge the gaps between Arab and Jewish citizens in Israel and build a shared future, based on equality, respect, and deep understanding.
During the meeting, participants were exposed to the basic principles of the project, which were born from three years of testing and strategic thinking in the field, and include, among other things:
🔹 Programs that create long-term human connections,
🔹 A common language and familiarity with the history of both peoples,
🔹 Joint fight against organized crime,
🔹 And encouraging professional partnerships and innovative entrepreneurship.
The initiative was born from the understanding that Arabs and Jews live in parallel worlds, and that the path to reducing stigmas and prejudices is through mutually beneficial collaborations.
The programs presented at the meeting:
- Urban Impact – A social accelerator for young entrepreneurs (over 25 years of age), which promotes initiatives to improve the quality of life in mixed cities. (Pilot successfully completed)
- Urban Dialogue – A program that connects Arab and Jewish high school students for a direct, unmediated dialogue that has never happened between them before. (Pilot completed)
- Urban Life – A platform under construction intended for Jewish and Arab students, developing tools and innovation to deal with the challenges of the future. (The initiative is in the process of being formulated)
- Urban Challenge – Developing spaces for professional encounters between Arabs and Jews who work in the same fields, with the aim of expanding collaborations and introducing innovation into the professions. (The initiative is in advanced planning stages)
At the end of the meeting, the book was distributed. "We do not recognize - a shared future for Arabs and Jews in Israel"
To contact and join the circle of influence:
Roni Arieli • 054-9292000 • [email protected]
Rani Bender opened the meeting on behalf of Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav:
Roni Arieli – Project Leader
Amir Muhammad Sharif Odeh, head of the Ahmadiyya community
Dr. Amer Jaraisi – Lecturer and Psychotherapist
Adv. Adva Balmes – Managing Partner, BDO Haifa Business Center
The invitation to the conference
What shared future is possible here?
"Cities Leading Change" • Wednesday, 21/5/25, on the roof of Taltan College in Haifa.
The situation between Jews and Arabs, which was not ideal, has worsened in the past two years. Mutual suspicion and fear have permeated every good corner.
Who will you meet at the conference?:
- Rani Bender replaced Yona Yahav – Mayor of Haifa
- Adv. Adva Balmas – Adv. Adva Balmes, Managing Partner, BDO Haifa Business Center
- Samia Armush – A media personality and children's author in the Arabic language, a Haifa social activist promoting equality and living together. She previously served as the municipality's spokesperson for Arab society and editor of the series "Dawamat."
- Roni Arieli – Former CEO of Arieli Advertising, who led the industry for 12 years. Developed and managed the "Sectors" company, which specializes in advertising to diverse audiences – Arabs, Haredi, Russians and seculars. Currently, he initiates and leads the "Cities Leading Change" initiative.
- Dr. Amer Jaraisi – A lecturer and psychotherapist, who will present the psychological experience of life as an Arab citizen in Israel, while connecting it to the challenges of the reality of living together.
What to do?
In the "Cities Leading Change" project, we remained optimistic, because in our opinion there is no other way. Restoring mutual trust is very important for strengthening Israel.
At the end of the lectures, a joint discussion will be held in which celebrities from Arab and Jewish society will participate.
The booklet "A Shared Future Between Arabs and Jews" will be distributed to participants - Roni Arieli and Dr. Amer Jaraisi participated in its writing.
Please register and save the date.:
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
18:00 – Gathering for introductions and refreshments
19:00 PM – Lectures begin.
The event will take place on the roof of the Tiltan Container Store, 65 Ha'atzmaut Street, Port Campus, Haifa (adjacent to the Central Hasmona train station).
We are complementing ourselves.
The separate education system into which PA content flows, and the competition between the political factions in the Israeli Knesset over who is more anti-Israel, produces nationalist extremism and historical ignorance in the sector.
Then comes the external incitement against the state and against Jews, creating the basis for identification with terrorism.
Poppy
Do me a favor.
A shared future, Alek
As long as we are strong, the future will be shared.
Otherwise? They will eliminate us without blinking.
Excess innocence borders on stupidity and lack of understanding of reality.
The leaders must be pushed towards joint agreements and a peaceful solution on the outline of 2 states/territories for 2 peoples and the separation of the peoples.
Otherwise, in my opinion, the country may deteriorate into a bi-national state, with the risk of assimilation and increasingly limited housing options (because de facto, is the purchase of apartments and properties really possible for both peoples wherever they want, or is it actually only possible for one people?)
Peace = the separation of peoples by mutual agreement.
But they don't want 2 states. Muslims want one state, which is Palestine and without Jews. All the principles of Islam. Every Muslim is obligated to promote Islam everywhere. Whether it's through beautiful propaganda or violence. Learn about Islam.
I wish people would give it a chance. Living like this is not life.