OECD praises Israel’s efforts to integrate Israeli Arabs

Israel has been lauded by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for its efforts to integrate Arabs into the economy.  An OECD report produced in cooperation with the deputy-director for employment at the Israeli Economy Ministry and the Economic Development Authority for the Minority Sector in the Prime Minister’s Office, says Israel managed to sustain relatively low rates of unemployment throughout the global economic crisis and improved the integration of Arabs into the economy.  The rate of Arab participation in the economy is 52%, as opposed to a general rate of around 66%. 

According to the report, the seven government-run employment centres in the Arab community have been a “welcome development,” in part because they help create a more skilled workforce that could climb the economic ladder.  A key factor of the under-performance of Arabs in the unemployment figures is the lack of skills in the Arab population, according to the report.  “Skills are a key route out of poverty, but many disadvantaged groups in Israel have levels of skills attainment well below that of the mainstream Jewish population,” the report noted, adding that for those centres to maximize their potential, the government should “strengthen local policy co-operation and co-ordination by fostering partnerships that can effectively design and implement employment and skills strategies targeted at Arab-Israelis.”

The rate of participation among Arab women is only 28%, while 50%  of Israeli Arabs live below the poverty line.  The OECD urged the Israeli government to invest more in professional training and career guidance.  “Inclusion of the ultra-Orthodox and Arabs in the labor market is at the top of the agenda of the Economy Ministry,” said Israel’s Economy Minister Arye Deri (pictured).  “This has tremendous significance, since enhancing employment opportunities levers an increase in growth and strengthening the economy, as well as, of course, strengthening and empowering the employees in the ultra-Orthodox and Arab societies,” he said.

In general, the 34-nation Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development commended Israel’s economy, noting that it “weathered the global financial crisis (of 2008-2009) better than most OECD countries” and kept unemployment at “historically low levels”.  Israel joined the Paris-based OECD in 2010.

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