Forum Coordinators: Rabbi Avi Gisser and Mr. Hily Tropper
Forum Members: Att. Yuval Elbashan , General (Res.) Doron Almog, Ms. Didi Almog, Ms. Yulia Berkowitz, Mr. Ilan Gilon, Dr. Momi Dahan, Dr. Aviad Hacohen, Prof. Tamar Harman, Mr. Shaul Yahalom, Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Lau, Dr. Shlomit Lehman, Ms. Tammy Mulad Hayu, Ms. Ruty Sinai, Rabbi Shai Piron, Rabbi Yuval Sherlo

"Israel’s Backyard"

A man sits with his friends at a nice restaurant, enjoying a meticulously set table, a comfortable chair, and good music. The food, of the highest quality, arrives at the table quickly, and the group takes great pleasure in the flavors, the aroma, and the setting.

Most of us enter the restaurant through the front door, picking a cozy corner in which to sit, and leave out the same door after we finish our meal. But every once in a while, it is very important to enter via the back door, where one can find supplies, garbage, and boxes. Do not let the stench of trash deter you; it is not the problem. The problem is often there in the form of  invisible workers, doing their job silently. You may be greeted by a foreign worker or refugee, working long hours and earning a miniscule paycheck. Most of these workers have never actually seen their pay slip; and most of those that have, are not capable of reading it, let alone fighting for their legal social rights, which their bosses often deny them
This type of backyard exists everywhere – big and small cities, amongst Jews and Arabs, in the secular community as well as the Ultra-Orthodox, in universities, hospitals, factories, and government offices.

The Social Forum is based on the following assumptions:

• The social realm of activity is the main space in which Israel’s Jewish and democratic values meet. Social responsibility and activity are all-inclusive, and turning to Judaism's ethos of community and social welfare is the foundation for a democratic, Jewish, and socialist state.
  
• The State of Israel, which realized the Zionist aspiration of a Jewish and democratic state, should be especially committed to social welfare. The Jewish People have always been highly sensitive to human suffering, and have always envisioned a better world, to be achieved through "Tikun Olam" – literally: "fixing the world." Today, when we have the social and political means to implement these goals, we must use them wisely in order to create a more just society, based on Jewish values, as well as universal ones.
  
• Social cleavages are dangerous to Israeli society and democracy; Alienation from, and rejection of, our political and social structures can lead to indifference, detachment from the democratic process, and finally to the disintegration of social cohesion and common values. Trust and solidarity are vital for maintaining a united society, which agrees on moral and public issues.
  
• The future of the State of Israel relies heavily on education and ethics. It is safe to assume that youngsters will see no reason to tie their own destiny with that of the state unless they are part of an ethical and just society that works together to develop the State.
  
• Many groups and organizations in Israel dedicate human and financial resources to fight corruption, and promote morality. Their activity is priceless, and they must receive the proper support, while at the same time we must recognize the state's basic responsibilities towards its citizens.