JERUSALEM, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Israel launched a plan on Wednesday to enhance the integration of young Arab-Israelis into the country's job market, according to a statement issued by the Israeli Ministry for Social Equality.
The plan, named Gap Year, was initiated by the ministry in collaboration with the humanitarian organization Joint to address unemployment and narrow gaps.
With a budget of 100 million shekels (about 28 million U.S. dollars), the plan aims to provide youths from Israel's Arab society with a comprehensive package covering personal development, soft skills, professional and occupational guidance, as well as preparation for academic pursuits.
The plan, to be operated in 11 Arab cities and towns across Israel, will encompass four months of general activities. Following this phase, each participant will choose a specific professional track for focused advancement.
According to data from the Israeli Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Arab society was 5.1 percent in September, compared to the overall workforce rate of 3.7 percent.
Since the outbreak of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, this gap even widened. In October, 15.6 percent of employed Arabs were absent from their jobs, including unpaid leaves, in comparison to 9.7 percent for the entire workforce, according to the official statistics.
