New Initiative Launched to Combat Social Polarization in Israel

As Israel marks three years since the Hamas attack of October 7th, a new initiative called "HaMachaneh" (The Common Ground) has been launched to address the country's severe social polarization. The initiative is spearheaded by bereaved families, former hostages, their relatives, and victims of terror and war, who hold diverse worldviews but seek commonality. They are collaborating with Keren Sokolov, CEO of the 'Living Together' center.

Key figures involved include Merav Berger, mother of hostage Agam Berger; Merav Leshem Gonen, mother of hostage Romy Gonen; Chen Avigdori, whose wife and daughter are hostages; hostage survivor Avinatan Or; IDF soldier Ari Spitz, who was critically wounded in Gaza; Noam Idan Ben Ezra, sister of the late Tzachi Idan; Zvi Sussman, father of the late Ben Sussman; Huda Daksah, widow of Colonel Ehsan Daksah; and Moshe Shapira, father of the late Aner Shapira, among others.

"HaMachaneh" has announced two initial actions. Firstly, ahead of upcoming elections, they are urging party leaders and the future government to establish a permanent national infrastructure for social cohesion within 100 days. This infrastructure would develop a multi-year strategy to combat polarization and strengthen social resilience. Secondly, the group is calling on Israelis to forge new social connections with people from different circles and share their experiences, using the hashtag #עוד_1_למכנה (#OneMoreToTheCommonGround) on social media, a campaign that began during the holidays.

"Polarization is no longer just a political debate; it's a threat to our ability to continue living here as one society," stated Sokolov. She emphasized the need for the next government to treat polarization as a national challenge and establish a responsible body, while also urging the public to act immediately, suggesting that "10 million new connections can change the way Israelis know and see each other."

In other news, entrepreneur Bill Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square, is scheduled to visit Israel in two weeks for the ARC Summit 2024, hosted by Sheba Medical Center's innovation arm. This annual conference brings together global healthcare leaders, tech companies, entrepreneurs, and investors. Ackman will participate in a session at the David InterContinental Hotel in Tel Aviv focusing on location-independent healthcare systems and the future of health tech companies. Ackman previously announced a $400 million donation with his wife, Neri Oxman, for a brain research institute and expressed a desire to invest up to $1 billion in Israeli tech companies.

Separately, at the Axel Springer Award ceremony in Berlin, entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel met with Shalo Julio, co-founder and CEO of the cyber company Dream, and Sebastian Kurz, the company's co-founder and president. They discussed the future of technology, investments in Europe and the Middle East, and the growth potential of significant tech companies in the region.

Lastly, Israir Airlines is launching its first television campaign in years to promote its new route to New York, supported by the purchase of two Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft for approximately $85 million. The campaign, with an estimated budget of 3 million shekels, includes billboards, digital, and social media advertising, featuring the song "Shamayim" (Sky) by the late Yigal Bashan.