The Abraham Initiatives mission is to create widespread positive social change in the field of Jewish-Arab relations within Israel. They envision Israel as a democratic state, homeland of the Jewish people and all its citizens, that guarantees and protects the full citizenship and equal rights of Palestinians; where all Israelis co-create a cohesive, inclusive and equal society.

Their mission is to advance social inclusion and equal rights for Palestinians by demonstrating practical models for a shared society, shaping public  opinion and influencing public policy. Their methodology of “Advocacy Through Action” creates initiatives that can be adopted and run on a national scale.

Shahira Shalibi, Co-Deputy Executive Director of Programmes and Moran Maimoni, Co-Director of  Public Affairs, are visiting London in March.  This short trip will give us a chance to learn more about the organisation's work and how it has increased following the events of 7th October. Shahira Shalibi and
Moran Maimoni are working across the breadth of the organisation and are
intimately involved with all aspects or their operations. We are honoured to have them make their first stop at Westminster Synagogue on Monday 25th March, when they will share a bit with us about the work that they do. 

Shahira Shalibi 
Shahira is Co-Deputy Executive Director of Programmes at The Abraham Initiatives. She runs our mixed cities programme. Before joining the Abraham Initiatives, she served as the Deputy Mayor of Haifa – in 2021 she became the first ever Arab-Palestinian woman to serve as a deputy mayor in Israel and she served as a member of the Haifa city council.

Shahira is engaged in social activism at the local, national, and international levels
and has held several positions in social change organisations. Shahira was among  the founders of the Palestinian Feminist Movement in Israel and has established several initiatives and organisations working to improve the status of Arab women in Israel.  Shahira has consulted for social change organisations on issues of leadership, planning and strategic thinking, teamwork, developing and managing resources, and community work. She is a group facilitator, specialising in dialogue and conflict resolution, as well as facilitator training.

Shahira holds a masters' degree in Religious Studies, and a bachelor's degree in
Social Work.

Moran Maimoni
Moran is The Abraham Initiatives' Co-Director of Public Affairs,  and leads the government relations of the organisation, including relationships with Members of Knesset, as well as writing and presenting the organisation’s position in Knesset committees meetings. By working with elected officials in the
Knesset, Moran promotes shared living and equality for Arab citizens. She is also responsible for our media presence and advocating for the organisation’s values with journalists.

Moran was born in Jerusalem and currently lives in Tel Aviv. Before she worked at
The Abraham Initiatives, Moran was a parliamentary advisor for senior members of
Knesset, and was also a political and feminist activist. Moran holds a MA in  Sociology and Journalism from the Hebrew University.