The Jews and Arabs coexisting in crisis

Just over 20% of Israel’s population are Palestinian citizens of Israel - or Israeli Arabs - making them the largest minority in the country. They’re distinct from the Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank and Gaza as most have citizenship and far greater freedoms. However, they complain of discrimination and even in “mixed” cities the Jews and Palestinians tend to co-exist rather than interact. Following the attacks and killing of Israeli citizens on 07 October by Hamas and the subsequent bombing and killing of Palestinians in Gaza by the Israeli army tensions are high. That’s where Standing Together comes in. It’s a peace movement, comprising Jews and Palestinians who are trying to jointly diffuse tensions on the streets of their neighbourhoods. For Assignment Emily Wither talks to two Jewish Israelis and two Palestinian citizens of Israel, who work for the organisation, about their different experiences of growing up in Israel and their hopes for the future. Presenter: Emily Wither Producer: Caroline Bayley Editor: Penny Murphy Sound Engineer: James Beard Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman (Image: Members of a Jewish-Arab peace group hanging posters together in Haifa. Credit: Emily Wither/BBC)