6 Israeli Arabs Who Make Israel a Better Place
Arabs make up 20% of the country’s population and Arabic is an official language in Israel. In honor of Ramadan, the month-long fasting period marking the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, we present you with six Israeli Arabs bringing positive change to the country and shattering stereotypes.
Sami Tamimi
Say thank you. Co-author of „Jerusalem”, practically a foodie Bible, Sami grew up in Jerusalem and later moved to London, where he struck a tight friendship with Jewish Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi. They share a city of birth and few successful restaurants with long wait lines. Zip the lip: when you are waiting in line for the best Middle Eastern food in the land of fish and chips, you know better than to complain.
Lucy Aharish
The honorary torchlighter for last year’s Independence Day ceremony (watch here), Lucy Aharish is the first Arab Muslim news anchor on Israeli Hebrew television. The 36-year-old journalist is brave and outspoken, garnering international attention after a passionate discourse urging Palestinian leaders to take responsibility and stop spreading hatred. Lucy, your voice needs to be heard more!
Alaa Waheeb
IDF Major Waheeb, the highest ranked Muslim in the Israeli Army, got your back. Alaa has toured around England during Israel Apartheid Week to speak to colleges about his life, career and experiences, all of which contradict the slanderous narrative of Israel as an apartheid state. Major Waheeb, thank you for your service!
Nof Atamna Ismaeel
Microbiologist by day and cook by night, Nof took home a MasterChef prize two years ago, adding it to her shelf of postdoctoral degrees and awards. The scientist turned chef also sees the kitchen as a fertile place for peace, and dreams about opening a culinary school for Jews and Arabs alike. We’ll be there for the big opening day! And yes, we’ll have that second helping too.
Nissren Kader
Winner of the popular Israeli show “Eyal Golan is Calling You”, Nissren comes from the north of Israel and is a well-appreciated wedding singer of the Arab community. The show is won through the vote of the public – and Nissren was voted with enthusiasm. Her closing performance included a Hebrew prayer for befallen soldiers. Wow, just wow.
Hossam Haick
Live from the Technion University in Haifa, this is Professor Haick. Known for his breakthrough work in nanotechnology and non-invasive disease diagnosis, Professor Hossam Haick, the only Arab Christian in this bunch, is the developer of NA NOSE, a device that can detect illness just through a breath. A leader in his field, he teaches a high-in-demand class on nanotechnology and nanosensors on Coursera. Oh yes, this is the only such class currently on offer and it’s being taught in Arabic. From Israel.
Still craving more colors and flavors from Israel? We’ve got something for you. You’re welcome!
from Buzzfeed
