Researcher Finds Social Gap Narrows, Ethnic Tensions Rise

Although tension between ethnic communities in Israel became more acute in the past few years the actual social gap narrowed, according to Professor Yohanan Peres, a lecturer in the University of Haifa’s Department of Sociology. Peres made this claim during a recent forum marking the tenth anniversary of the Unit for Bridging the Gap at the University of Haifa.

The Unit helps students from development towns and disadvantaged neighborhoods throughout northern Israel complete the basic requirements needed to enter the University. It also provides grants and tutors to those requiring help after admission.

According to Peres, the social gap in economic and educational areas norrowed considerably in the last ten years. A greater awareness of ethnicity and improved education is credited with much of the success.

In line with these changes, the difference in income levels — betweeen Ashkenazim and those whose origins lie in Middle Eastern, African or Asian countries — dropped from a high of 35 percent in the 1960’s to 19 percent today. In addition, 36 percent of those with oriental origins now complete their high school education. This is double the 1960’s figure.

Following these trends, the gap in birth rates between communities is also closing. Today, families of oriental origin have an average of 3.6 children per family. Ashkenazim have 2.8.

Levels of employment are also improving for those of Middle Eastern, African, and Asian origin, as many unskilled jobs are being filled by Arabs from the West Bank and Gaza.

Unfortunately, Peres said, these improvements have not stopped ethnic tension from growing. He pointed out that Israel’s communities are not equally represented in government or in large corporations.

There, he said, Ashkenazim still hold power. According to Peres, most mangement posts are held by Ashkenazim, which is a primary cause of friction between ethnic groups.