The Israeli Government acknowledges the dangerousness and seriousness of racism in Israel, and has decided to create a joint committee of Ministries to bring out a plan for counteracting racism
As a result of the Coalition Against Racism's efforts over the years, which included the demand for a Government plan to address the phenomena of racism against minorities, the government has finally decided to create a joint committee of ministries to create a plan to counteract racism in the country.
The Coalition Against Racism in Israel works on monitoring racially motivated attacks and advocates them legally in front of the responsible authorities. The Coalition welcomed the government's move toward organizing this joint committee after several demands to the government, the Ministry of Education and the police, to fight all racist activities, prohibit violence and strengthen democracy through a professional committee that aims to increase citizens' awareness against violent and racist acts against minorities, and punishing the offenders.
The announcement of the decision to form a joint committee, coincides with the release of the Coalition Against Racism's annual report "Racism in Israel 2013". The findings of the report shows a 10% increase in racism compared to 2012. The report also documented 106 racial incidents in which 44 were against Arabs, 54 against refugees, 4 against Mizrahim, 2 against Russians and 2 against homosexuals. This report is released annually in the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, on March 21st.