Arab-Jewish Partnership in a Time of War

A Conversation with Raghad Jaraisy of Sikkuy-Aufoq

Wednesday, May 7
7:00 PM

Congregation Beth Shalom
6800 35th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98115

Co-sponsored by Temple Beth Am and Kavana Cooperative

EVENT DESCRIPTION:
In recent years, actions taken by Israel’s right-wing government have further marginalized the country’s Arab minority. Since the events of October 7th and the ensuing war in Gaza, tensions between Israel’s Jewish and Palestinian citizens have further intensified.
And yet, even in this difficult moment, there is hope. Across Israel, courageous activists are working to build a more equal and shared future for all who call the land home. The New Israel Fund is proud to support these efforts and the leaders behind them.
One such leader is Raghad Jaraisy, Co-Executive Director of Sikkuy-Aufoq. A respected attorney and human rights advocate, Raghad has devoted her career to advancing the civil and collective rights of Palestinian citizens of Israel. At Sikkuy-Aufoq—one of the country’s leading organizations promoting equality and inclusion—she is helping shape a more just and democratic society.
Raghad will share insights into her work, including the urgent challenges she faces, such as U.S. funding cuts and harmful new legislation, as well as the opportunities she sees for meaningful progress.
We are honored to welcome Raghad to Seattle during her visit to the West Coast, where she will also be receiving the prestigious Gallanter Prize at NIF’s Guardian of Democracy Gala in San Francisco.
We hope you will join us for this important and inspiring conversation.

RAGHAD’S BIO:
Attorney Raghad Jaraisy was appointed Sikkuy-Aufoq’s Co-Executive Director in April 2023 after serving three years as Co-Director of the Equality Policy Department. Before joining Sikkuy-Aufoq, Raghad worked for nine years at NIF’s flagship grantee, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) in various positions, including Manager of the Department for the Promotion of the Rights of the Arab Minority in Israel and member of ACRI’s leading team. Raghad is also a founder and board member of House of Hanan, a nonprofit organization cultural center for children and parents in the old city of Nazareth, with a library, workshop and research hub dedicated to reviving and preserving the cultural and literary heritage of the Palestinian community in Israel.

Raghad graduated with honors in the joint LL.M degree program of Tel Aviv University and Northwestern University in Chicago. She received her bachelor’s degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Law and Cognitive Sciences.

Raghad lives with her partner and their two sons in Nof HaGalil.