Strengthening Mixed Cities

Over the past three years Mosaic Communities has developed into one of the few organizations that is actively seeking to change the nature of society in Israel through pro-active integration of Arabs and Jews in residential neighborhoods, schools, and the workplace.

The city of Ramle, a mixed town in the center of Israel, half way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem has been chosen as the initial focal point of these activities.

Why Ramle ?
The population of Ramle reflects the demographics of the country as a whole (20% Arab,  80% Jewish).  Ramle is also one of the most impoverished locales in Israel, with a per capita income of 2,468 shekels and 43% of all wage earners earning below minimum wage. The low quality of life of the residents is further compounded by a poor record of Arab - Jewish relations.

Mosaic Communities' Activities in Ramle:
A small community center is being set up in Ramle as a model and tool for outreach to the city: THE MOSAIC HOUSE, which will become fully operational in the autumn 2005. Mosaic House will be the first Jewish-Arab community center in the town of Ramle and it will offer a range of activities to Ramle's residents.

In the Summer 2005 the Mosaic House youth began preparations into the establishment of a youth training and business cooperative. Arab and Jewish teenagers have been learning to create circus arts products, wood and textile products, graphic and web design. They are also learning how to manage the marketing and administration of their enterprise.

Also in Ramle, MOSAIC Communities has taken on the goal of restoring and rejuvenating the city's old quarter, a part of the city currently overcrowded and underdeveloped, effectively a slum. Initial research into this project will begin late this year and a steering committee made up of local residents together with professionals from a number of fields is in the process of being set up.