Tag Meir

We met with Hussein (a pseudonym) from the town of Idhna, home to around 30,000 residents and located just a few minutes from the Tarkumiya/Lachish checkpoint.

He shared with us the reality his community faces: stolen harvests, threats, physical assaults, and, above all, restrictions preventing Palestinian farmers from accessing their agricultural land. According to Hussein, these incidents have become an increasingly difficult part of daily life.

He also told us about Ein al-Far'a (Ein Adora), a beautiful spring located between Adora and Idhna. He described how, following October 7, Palestinian families who had long lived near and enjoyed the area found themselves excluded from a place that had once been part of their everyday lives.

Hussein speaks fluent Hebrew, believes deeply in the possibility of peace, and asked us for one simple thing: to help create opportunities for Jewish and Palestinian children to meet, learn about one another, and grow up knowing that a different future is possible.

Sometimes, amidst all the anger and fear, it is voices like Hussein's that remind us why dialogue, dignity, and human connection matter so much.

As Pride Month begins, Rabbi Arie Hasit, a religious, straight ‘pride rabbi’ who has attended Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Pride for over 20 years, calls on religious leaders to support LGBTQ+ Jews

https://bit.ly/3RLdrrm
By: Arie Hasit

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There is a direct line between the degrading and dismissive attitude shown by Israel's government toward the Supreme Court and the judicial system, and the mob attack on Justice Solberg's home in Alon Shvut.

There is another direct line between yesterday's calls by prominent Religious Zionist rabbis to disregard Supreme Court rulings and the very real possibility that someone may decide to target a senior judge with violence.

The ease with which dozens of extremists vandalized the Solberg family home is reminiscent of attacks carried out by Jewish extremists against innocent Palestinian families in the West Bank.

These are not separate events. The lines connect. They cross. They meet at the same dangerous point: the erosion of respect for democratic institutions, the rule of law, and the basic boundaries of civil society.

‘A pogrom’: Haredi rioters smash windows, damage home of deputy Supreme Court chief Dozens nabbed after attempt to break into Noam Sohlberg's house, with wife likening shattering of windows to Kristallnacht; Herzog decries 'dangerous crossing of red line'

This Thursday at 5:00 PM, in Sacher Park, Jerusalem, we will open the Jerusalem Pride and Tolerance March with our annual "Shirat HaDerech" (Song of the Journey) gathering, dedicated to the memory of Shira Banki z"ל.

Shira was murdered in 2015 at the Jerusalem Pride March because of her commitment to a vision of Jerusalem as a city of tolerance, dignity, and belonging for all its residents. Since then, each year we have gathered together with Shira’s parents to hold this special prayer and remembrance in her honor.

Together, we will pause, offer prayers for the safety and well-being of all who participate in the march, and share a message of hope, compassion, and light.

Join us as we seek the peace of Jerusalem—a city that belongs to all its residents and visitors, united in diversity and mutual respect.

With thanks to our partners: Kehilat Zion, Kol HaNeshama Community, and The Shira Banki Way.

Last week representatives of Tag Meir student leadership group at the Shalem Academic Center, visited the public bus terminal in Armon Hanatziv to show solidarity and support for public transportation drivers.

The students spoke with drivers about the violence and abuse they face in their daily work. Some shared painful stories about colleagues who never returned to work after violent attacks. Others explained that many drivers view the profession as temporary and dream of moving into construction or other fields simply to avoid daily confrontations with violent and racist passengers.

One driver remarked, with both sadness and irony, that “the problem will be solved once there are no more Arab drivers.”

And yet, alongside the pain, there was also hope.

The drivers spoke about their desire to believe that not everyone is racist and that there are good people on all sides. They were deeply moved by the students’ gesture and warmly welcomed them. One driver even joked, “Last time you visited, you met every driver except me!”

Thank you to the drivers for their warm reception and for the essential service they provide every day. And thank you to our extraordinary students for bringing light, compassion, and hope to public servants who too often feel unseen.

Special thanks to the Itzkowitz Foundation for its support of Tag Meir student chapters and for helping empower the next generation of young leaders working to build a more just, respectful, and shared society.

Yesterday in Jerusalem, hundreds of people took part in the Interfaith Peace March, walking together from King David Street to Jaffa Gate.

Jews, Muslims, and Christians marched side by side, united by a shared commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity.

At a time when division and fear often dominate the headlines, it was inspiring to witness people of different faiths coming together to demonstrate that another path is possible — one built on respect, compassion, and our common humanity.

We were proud to participate and stand alongside all those who believe that the future of Jerusalem, and of this land, depends on our ability to see one another not as enemies, but as partners in building a better tomorrow.

Hundreds join interfaith ‘human rights and peace’ march in Jerusalem * * *

A large delegation of friends and activists from Tag Meir and Standing Together visited attorney Saleh Naama last week after he was brutally assaulted by officers of the Israeli Police in his home in Be’er Sheva. The visit took place at his parents’ home in Deir al-Asad.

Saleh’s parents, relatives, neighbors and members of the community welcomed the delegation with the generosity and warmth so characteristic of Arab hospitality — coffee, tea, fruit and homemade pastries.

On a Friday night, police officers knocked on Saleh’s door. Suspecting they might be impostors, he called the police emergency line. According to Saleh, the dispatcher told him: “Do not open the door under any circumstances.”

The officers then broke into his home — without a search warrant — and violently beat him, punching him repeatedly in the face and throughout his body until he was bleeding heavily. They handcuffed him, dragged him to a police vehicle, and reportedly mocked him, saying: “Congratulations on your new face.”

For many hours, Saleh remained handcuffed at the police station and later at the hospital without receiving proper medical treatment, despite his swollen and bleeding face. Police initially claimed in court that body camera footage of the incident did not exist — a claim later exposed as false when the footage was found and released to the media, clearly showing that Saleh did not resist arrest.

We expressed our deep shock and outrage at this horrifying assault. But sadly, we were not surprised. Racism and unchecked violence within the police force have become increasingly normalized under the leadership of Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. We felt ashamed and heartbroken by this racist attack — a moral stain that affects all of us. It is our duty to speak out, protest, and stand firmly against violence and racism.

We wished dear Saleh a full and speedy recovery and success in pursuing justice and accountability. We promised him and his family that we will continue to stand beside them.

“You are not alone.”

Attorney Khalil Naama, Saleh’s father, thanked the delegation emotionally on behalf of the family:
“I don’t know how to thank you.”

Anyone who wants to meet an Arab-Israeli family that truly represents the very best of this country is invited to visit the Naama family in Deir al-Asad.

Sending Saleh strength, healing, and solidarity — on behalf of the many Israelis who still believe in peace, equality, and justice.