Overview
Bible Society Australia is working with the Arab Israeli Bible Society (AIBS) to strengthen their presence and enable their work in Galilee. This project serves the Arab Israeli community with Scripture resources and interactive community conferences and events, serving both the local church and the broader community.
Despite the devastating circumstances and the profound impact of the ongoing war, AIBS is working steadfastly to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected. Through their ministries, AIBS continues to bring unity where there is division, hope where there is despair and love where there is suffering.
The Arab Israeli community (made up of 1.7 million) face significant tension due to their unique status. The Arab Israeli people (Arabs who became citizens of the State of Israel after its establishment in 1948) are a group lost between Jewish Israelis and Arab Palestinians. Since war broke out, they have been carrying the pain and suffering of both the Israelis and the Palestinians. Therefore, they are doubly
traumatised.
Arab Israeli Christians are a minority twice over: Arab Israelis comprise of only 20% of Israel’s population; only 6.9% of Arab Israelis are Christians. With such a small population of Arab Israeli Christians, AIBS is struggling to maintain a core presence or operations from domestic Bible sales and fundraising income. Many have also been displaced by the conflict and therefore, the need to build a culture of
peacemakers and forgivers is greater.
Statistics
- 1.7 million Arab citizens in Israel
- 185,000 Christians in Israel (at the end of 2022)
- 75.8% of Christians in Israel are Arab