The Joint Democratic Initiative

We aspire to a democratic state, based on the values of justice, freedom and peace. And yet the structural discrimination against the Arab Israeli citizens and the ongoing occupation are inconsistent with these values. Furthermore, the substantive democratic framework of the state is being destroyed by a nationalist, racist and corrupt government at an accelerating pace. In order to change this trend, it is not enough to replace this specific government. We need a new way.

An egalitarian political partnership between Jews and Arabs is te way forward. Such partnership is called for by the values of equality and justice, and it is a necessary condition for the existence of a real and stable democracy in Israel.

The Joint Democratic Initiative consists of Jewish and Arab (indeed, Palestinian) citizens, enjoying the wide support of activists, public intellectuals, scientists and artists, acting to establish a joint, egalitarian Jewish-Arab political front, one that will clearly, unapologetically, and uncompromisingly strive for the implementation of the following principles:

Civil Justice

A commitment to full equality for all the country’s citizens, to the repeal of the “Nationality Bill”, to abolishing all manifestations of racism, and to reinstating Arabic as an official language.

Political Justice

A commitment to ending the occupation and to bringing about a peace agreement, based on two independent sovereign states and on the 1967 borders.

Social Justice

A commitment to the principles of the welfare state, to strengthening the Israeli periphery and disadvantaged sectors, and to ensuring a dignified life for each and every citizen.