The coming year, 5774, will be a year of opportunities as well as challenges for Israel.

The peace process has been re-invigorated, and leading the US team for the negotiations is Martin Indyk, who has a long association with NIF and became a co-patron of NIF Australia when it was founded in 2011.

It is important to achieve lasting peace with the Palestinians. And it is no less important for Israeli society to become at peace with itself and increasingly to reflect the values embodied in the Declaration of Independence - equality of all citizens irrespective of ethnicity, gender, religion or sexuality.

In 5774 NIF and its grantees will continue the work, begun more than 30 years ago, of supporting Israelis who are striving towards fulfilling that aspiration.

In recent months, NIF’s grantees in Israel have petitioned the High Court of Justice to release Eritrean women and child asylum seekers from mandatory detention, campaigned successfully for increased affordable housing, and worked in mixed communities to stop ‘price tag’ attacks that violently target Arab citizens of Israel.

These are examples of the society that Israel can aspire to be, one that treats all its inhabitants as equal before the law and recognises the merits of inclusion and compassion.

This Rosh Hashana, show that ensuring Israel’s path of social justice, common humanity and freedom is a priority for you by telling your friends about NIF Australia. Forward this e-mail to them, ask them to sign up for our e-mails, and to like us on Facebook.

All of us at NIF Australia thank you for your support and wish you a shana tova and g’mar chatima tova. May 5774 bring peace, equality and justice for all.

B’shalom,

Robin Margo
President

Liam Getreu
Executive Director