Arab–Jewish Relations Index

Prof. Yuval Feinstein, Prof. Sammy Smooha, and Dr. Nuhad Ali

The Goal: Examination of Arab–Jewish relations in Israel and making theoretical and applied knowledge about these relations accessible to broad audiences—decision-makers, educators, civil society organizations, and the general public.

The Arab–Jewish Relations Index in Israel comprehensively examines the attitudes of Arab and Jewish citizens toward one another and toward the state. Its purpose is to track changes in their attitudes over the years and assess their implications for building the foundations of a shared society . The Index, which began in 2003 and includes questions asked since 1980, examines sixteen recurring issues in which Arabs and Jews tend to disagree: separation, image of the other, alienation, distrust (toward the other side and toward state institutions), discrimination, collective memory, perceived threats, the legitimacy of coexistence, regional conflicts (Israel with Palestinians and others), regional integration (in the Middle East or the West), identity, minority leadership, minority autonomy, methods of struggle, policy and regime change, and overall assessment of the state of relations. Each survey also includes new questions designed to examine the impact of recent events. 

The analysis is based on repeated public opinion surveys of the adult population using random, nationally representative samples. The Arab survey consists of 700 or more interviewees in face-to-face interviews, and the Jewish survey consists of 700 or more respondents surveyed online. All surveys, after processing, are deposited in the IsraelData database of the Israel Democracy Institute, which is open to the public.

Applied Component – Index Response Team:

In addition to the publication of the Index findings, a dedicated response team will be established to review the data and conclusions, identify issues requiring focused attention, and formulate position papers and recommendations for action directed to government authorities and decision-makers. The team will be composed of representatives from academia, government, and civil society, and will be led by Prof. Yuval Feinstein. The team’s work will be based on the findings of the Index, professional expertise, and field experience, and will aim to create practical connections between data, analysis, and action.

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Our Courses

Identity and Belonging in a Multicultural Society – Dr. Mirit Hayavi Barak

This course examines how identity and belonging are formed in a multicultural society, considering both the individual and groups and the relations among them.

The course moves from the individual to society: it begins by examining processes of self-construction through socialization and interaction, and then considers the formation of groups, social boundaries, conflicts, and intergroup encounters. It explores different approaches to managing cultural diversity and examines the tensions among personal identity, group identity, and social belonging.

The course then considers processes of recognition, inequality, and privilege as part of a broader web of intergroup relations, and concludes by examining the possibility of building a shared society – a society in which different groups live together through mutual recognition, participation, and cooperation.

Managing Conflict and Diversity in Israeli Society – Dr. Assaf Turgeman

The course surveys the principal cleavages in Israeli society by tracing their roots in Israeli social and political life. It addresses the Jewish – Arab conflict, the religious – secular divide, ethnic cleavages, and the constitutional revolution and its implications for contemporary political divisions.

Skills for Managing Diversity and Conflict across Life Domains – Dr. Ran Kuttner

This course develops skills for managing difference and conflicts arising from difference across multiple settings – from the interpersonal level, through the intergroup level, to the national level. Participants will acquire tools for collaborative dialogue, negotiation, and conflict management, while becoming familiar with the theories underlying the approaches studied. The course will also examine how these approaches can support constructive management of disputes surrounding social cleavages and polarization that undermine cohesion and resilience in different arenas in Israel. Accordingly, participants will acquire both conceptual frameworks and practical skills for action in the social sphere.

The course is reflective in character and, from its outset, invites students to examine how the material challenges their own assumptions and leadership practices, how they might wish to apply it in their personal lives, and what obstacles may stand in the way.

Practical Strategies for Engaging with Diversity in Israeli Society – Dr. David Barak-Gorodetsky

The course offers an in-depth examination of the political and social tensions between conservatives and liberals in Israel, while providing a practical toolkit for conducting dialogue in conditions of disagreement. The theoretical component explores the roots of polarization, focusing on the central role of religion and state, their influence on public policy, and the historical analysis of political strategies and case studies that have shaped Israeli society. This foundation supports the practical component, in which participants practice and acquire skills in deep listening, managing complex dialogue, and recognizing different perspectives. By combining academic analysis with experiential learning and simulations, the course develops the capacity for respectful and meaningful dialogue in situations of disagreement and provides practical tools for building trust and reducing tensions across identity-based, cultural, and political divides.