Dr. Ilan Amit
Co-CEO at AJEEC-NISPED

A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?

I am happy to nominate Dr. Ilan Amit for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award for his profound leadership in fostering unity and understanding between Jewish and Arab communities in Israel. His work, deeply rooted in Jewish values, exemplifies a commitment to bridging divides within our country. Dr. Amit is the current co-CEO at AJEEC-NISPED (the Arab-Jewish Center for Empowerment, Equality, and Cooperation - Negev Institute for Strategies of Peace and Economic Development). Drawing on the Jewish experience of being marginalized, Dr. Amit has applied this empathy to his work in bridging Jews and Arab in Israel, as well as his work with the Bedouin community—one of the most underserved minority groups in Israel. Throughout Jewish history, Jews have experienced life as a minority, often marginalized and oppressed. This historical awareness fuels Dr. Amit’s commitment to advocating for Israel’s Arab citizens, a minority within the Jewish state. His leadership at AJEEC-NISPED, particularly in response to the October 7, 2023 attacks, demonstrates his commitment to promoting solidarity between Jews and Arabs.

One of Dr. Amit’s most impactful initiatives has been the establishment of the Shared Emergency Center for Negev Bedouins, which provided crucial aid, such as shelter installations and emotional support, in unrecognized Bedouin villages. Dr. Amit harnessed government ministries, the IDF (the Home Front Command) and many social organizations to partner together for the benefit of the Bedouin society in the Shared Emergency Center. The center has carried out an exceptional scope of assistance within Bedouin communities, including 10,000 social-emotional responses, 12,000 first aid responses, 10,000 food security packages allocated, 320 emergency shelters built, 1000 infant supply packages, and the recruitment of 750 volunteers to the operation of the center. It also led an anti-incitement campaign which included 3 videos that garnered 15 million views across social media platforms and both Arab & Hebrew-language media outlets.

This initiative reflects his belief in a shared society, one that prioritizes collaboration between Jews and Arabs to address socio-economic disparities and foster resilience in marginalized communities. The events of October 7th and onwards have highlighted the importance of shared society initiatives that Dr. Amit leads. His leadership has enabled Arab youth, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, to integrate more fully into Israeli society, creating pathways for coexistence and shared societal progress.

Additionally, Dr. Amit’s work in AJEEC’s health department for many years was essential in laying the foundations for programs narrowing gaps in health, for environmental development programs, and for education for a shared society. In the past decade, AJEEC has made the strategic decision to focus on the integration of Arab youth and young adults into Israeli society–both those who are highly motivated and academically successful as well as those on the margins, especially the youth of unrecognized villages. Following the emergency response to youth in distress in the villages, AJEEC has begun building a long-term community resilience plan that will build the next generation of leaders in the Bedouin society, who will be committed to empowering their own communities in partnership with their Arab and Jewish neighbors.

Even prior to his work as co-CEO at AJEEC-NISPED, Dr. Amit has always been committed to promoting shared society and building bridges between Jews and Arabs. He was previously the Israel Representative and Content Expert at the Inter Agency Task Force on Israeli Arab Issues (IATF). As a leading figure at IATF, Dr. Amit played a key role in elevating the concerns of Israel’s Arab citizens—who make up one-fifth of the country’s population—within both Israeli and American Jewish communities. His work involved promoting a nuanced understanding of Arab-Jewish relations and engaging Jewish organizations and philanthropists in efforts that foster civil equality and inclusion. By facilitating educational programs, partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives, Dr. Amit worked to build bridges between Jewish and Arab communities, ensuring that Arab citizens are recognized as integral to Israeli society, democracy, and the economy. Dr. Amit’s efforts focused on encouraging the North American Jewish community to see Israel’s Arab citizens not as outsiders but as full partners in shaping the country’s future. This work reflects the Jewish value of "loving the stranger" and the Talmudic mandate to care for the vulnerable in society, including non-Jews. His leadership in this role aimed to promote a shared society, one built on mutual respect, cooperation, and the belief that Jews and Arabs in Israel can coexist as equal citizens with shared responsibilities. His work at IATF involved not just advocacy, but also education and policy engagement, ensuring that Jewish and Arab communities in Israel have a shared stake in the country’s progress. This combination of grassroots efforts and high-level advocacy makes Dr. Amit a true bridge builder, and his leadership has contributed to a more inclusive and cohesive Israeli society.

Dr. Amit's approach is grounded in Jewish values of justice, dignity, and community responsibility. He has built sustainable programs that not only address immediate needs but also create long-term opportunities for Jewish and Arab cooperation. His unique ability to blend on-the-ground action with policy advocacy ensures that these initiatives are scalable and can be sustained at both the local and national levels, further embedding the principles of unity and peace into Israeli society.

By integrating Jewish values with practical, community-based initiatives, Dr. Amit helped create programs that fostered understanding and collaboration between Jews and Arabs in Israel, and therefore exemplifies the Jewish imperative to care for the "other" and “tikkun olam”. Dr. Amit’s Jewish values feed his universal humanitarian vision for Israel and the region where we live. He is a role model for all young people, but especially in this difficult period, he represents hope for a joint and shared future for Arabs and Jews in the Middle East. His work has already left a lasting impact on Arab-Jewish relations in Israel, making him an ideal candidate for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award.

B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?

Dr. Ilan Amit has demonstrated leadership and an unwavering commitment to bridging divides between Jewish and Arab communities in Israel. His efforts are centered around three key initiatives: the partnership with the Jewish Scouts Movement, the Arab-Jewish Gap Year (AJGY) program, and the Regional Partnership for Arab-Jewish collaboration in the Negev. Each of these initiatives reflects Dr. Amit’s profound dedication to fostering coexistence, mutual understanding, and shared spaces within a country often divided along ethnic and cultural lines. Through his leadership, Dr. Amit has worked tirelessly to bridge divides between Jews and Arabs, particularly in the Negev, a region that has seen both conflict and cooperation.

Dr. Amit has played a central role in establishing and maintaining a partnership between AJEEC and the Jewish Scouts Movement, a collaboration that spans over two decades. This partnership for Jewish and Arab youth in the Negev has fostered a sense of mutual understanding, respect, and shared destiny between two communities often separated by societal, cultural, and political divisions. The partnership has been centered around AJEEC’s Gap Year and the Jewish Scouts' Garin BaMidbar program, which bring together Jewish and Arab youth for joint community service projects, educational programming, and leadership development - Arab Jewish Gap Year (AJGY).

One of the most notable moments in this partnership came in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attacks, a time of great turmoil and uncertainty in Israel. The attacks created a new reality in the Negev, a region heavily affected by violence and displacement. Arab and Jewish residents alike were bound by a shared fate, facing common threats and challenges. During this time, Dr. Amit’s leadership became more crucial than ever. The Scouts and AJEEC volunteers redirected their efforts toward supporting communities in distress, volunteering in hotels where evacuees were housed and pausing their regular activities to provide aid to those affected by the conflict.

What makes this partnership so significant is the trust that Dr. Amit and his colleagues at AJEEC and the Jewish Scouts have built over the years. In the face of crisis, this trust allowed for continued collaboration and dialogue between Jewish and Arab youth. Dr. Amit leveraged the shared experience of hardship to deepen the bonds between Jewish and Arab youth and redefine the nature of their relationship. His vision was to move beyond temporary cooperation and foster lasting relationships that would shape the future of Jewish-Arab relations in Israel.

Dr. Amit aims to reach thousands of Jewish and Arab youth across the country, expanding the program from a small-scale initiative to a nationwide effort that integrates their goals into the educational frameworks of both AJEEC and the Jewish Scouts. His goal is to create a generation of leaders who view coexistence as a shared value rooted in mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation.

This program is another cornerstone of Dr. Amit’s work in fostering coexistence and understanding between Jewish and Arab communities. It provides a structured year of community service, educational programming, and leadership development for young Jewish and Arab participants, has become a beacon of hope and cooperation in a challenging social and political environment.

Despite the obstacles posed by the socio-political climate in Israel, Dr. Amit’s leadership has ensured that the program continues to thrive. The AJGY program has successfully maintained its core value of a shared society, even in the face of intense external pressures. This is a significant achievement, given the increasing polarization and divisions within Israeli society. The program’s resilience in retaining the majority of its participants, even in difficult times, is a testament to the strength of the relationships and alliances that have been formed through the program.

One of Dr. Amit’s key contributions to the AJGY program has been the integration of Arab-Bedouin participants, who often face unique challenges in accessing higher education and employment opportunities. Recognizing the need for additional support, Dr. Amit introduced psychometric exam tutoring for Arab-Bedouin cohorts, helping them overcome barriers to academic success. This has been a crucial step in ensuring that the program is accessible and beneficial to all participants, regardless of their background.

In addition to providing educational and professional opportunities, the AJGY program also focuses on cultivating leadership and activism. Participants engage in joint volunteer work in both Arab and Jewish schools, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and community engagement. The program has expanded to include several cohorts, with the goal of increasing participation and reaching more young people in the coming years.

Perhaps most importantly, the AJGY program has provided a space for young Jews and Arabs to form lasting friendships and alliances. These relationships are crucial in a country where divisions between the two communities are often deep and entrenched. Through the program, Dr. Amit has created an environment where young leaders can develop a shared vision for the future, one that is based on coexistence, mutual respect, and partnership.

The Regional Partnership initiative is built on the principle that shared spaces—whether in education, tourism, business, or public services—are key to fostering long-term peace and cooperation between neighboring communities. Dr. Amit’s vision is to create spaces that are welcoming, accessible, high-quality, and safe for both Jews and Arabs. By twinning municipalities such as Rahat and Bnei Shimon, Dimona and Neve Midbar, and Arad and Ksiefe, the program seeks to build trust and foster cooperation on issues of mutual interest, including economic development, social services, and education.

This initiative is not only about improving physical spaces but also about changing perceptions and reducing the fear and alienation that often characterize relations between Jewish and Arab communities. By working closely with local government officials, community leaders, and civil society organizations, Dr. Amit has helped create a framework for sustainable cooperation that benefits both communities.

The program’s long-term goal is to reduce tensions, friction, and polarization by promoting shared interests and fostering a sense of belonging among both Jews and Arabs. Dr. Amit’s leadership in this initiative has been instrumental in creating a model for regional cooperation that can be replicated in other parts of Israel.

C) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?

Dr. Ilan Amit's work has significantly impacted both the Jewish community and broader society, particularly through his role as Israel Representative and Content Expert at the Inter-Agency Task Force on Israeli Arab Issues (IATF). While his work is locally rooted in Israel, his efforts have reached far beyond its borders, particularly in engaging the American Jewish community with the realities of Arab-Jewish relations in Israel. By working with philanthropic Jewish foundations and educational bodies, Dr. Amit has opened doors to a deeper understanding of the complexities of Jewish-Arab partnerships, fostering a more informed and engaged global Jewish community.
One of Dr. Amit’s key impacts has been his role in creating educational experiences and fostering dialogue between Israeli Arab citizens and American Jews. Through his leadership, he has connected American Jewish leaders, funders, and educators with issues faced by Arab citizens in Israel, highlighting their integral role in Israeli society. This work has contributed to a more nuanced and contextualized understanding of these issues, encouraging the American Jewish community to view Arab citizens as essential to Israel’s social fabric and future.
Moreover, Dr. Amit’s efforts have amplified the voices of marginalized communities in Israel, ensuring that the socio-economic disparities and challenges faced by Arab citizens are not overlooked. By publishing articles and facilitating programs, he has helped educate American Jews on these matters, encouraging them to engage in impactful philanthropy and advocacy that supports Jewish-Arab coexistence. His work has thus strengthened bonds not only within the Jewish community but also between Jews and Arabs in Israel.
In this way, Dr. Amit's work has had a ripple effect, impacting the Jewish community in Israel and abroad, while fostering a more inclusive, understanding, and cooperative society for all. You are most welcome to see the attached supporting documents that have helped broaden the exposure to Dr. Amit’s work to international Jewish communities.