BICOM

Senior Israeli economist Professor Manuel Trajtenberg, who is tipped by some as the next Bank of Israel Governor, announced the launch of the Israeli government’s first scholarship fund for Arab undergraduates during a visit to London.

Trajtenberg became a household name in Israel after he headed a government committee to recommend economic changes in the wake of the social protests of summer 2011. Speaking at an event to mark the third anniversary of the UK Task Force, a coalition of thirty-three organisations working to raise awareness of issues relating to Arab citizens of Israel, Trajtenberg detailed the launch of a new Israeli government fund to help Arab students attain a first degree. The fund will match the donations of foundations and philanthropists wishing to contribute. The Pears Foundation, a UK Task Force founding member has agreed to become the fund’s first official partner, pledging $150,000.

Trajtenberg said, “Beyond moral considerations, it is of fundamental importance for the future of Israel to offer the Arab population equal opportunities, upward mobility, good education and promising employment. Through this scholarship fund, amongst other progressive initiatives, we are contributing to a more robust, just and resilient Israeli society… we are delighted to welcome Pears Foundation as our first British partner.”

Co-Chairs of the UK Task Force, Trevor Pears and Michael Wegier commented, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the British Jewish community to partner with the Israeli government and double the impact of their donations to address an issue which is fundamental to Israel’s future prosperity.”

The fund complements the Israel Council for Higher Education’s recently launched Six Year Plan to Enhance Access to Higher Education for Arab Students and is part of wider government efforts to boost the socio-economic welfare of Israel’s Arab citizens.

A  BICOM Podcast with Prof. Trajtenberg on Israel’s economy can be listened to here.