Israel-Palestine
The Israel-Palestine divide has created difficulty for business and other organizations to work together due to deep-seated political tensions, economic disparities, and social fragmentation. The political landscape is fraught, with hardline stances on both sides and organizations opposing cooperation. Economic conditions also diverge sharply, with Israel’s high-tech boom contrasting starkly with high unemployment and economic stagnation in Palestinian territories. Additionally, military occupation and security measures, such as checkpoints and the separation barrier, complicate daily operations and interactions.
Despite these obstacles, several organizations profiled in this case strive to bridge the divide:
- SodaStream: This company provides workplaces where Israelis and Palestinians work side-by-side, fostering daily interaction and cooperation.
- Jordan Gateway Project: Aims to create enterprise zones on the border, facilitating joint manufacturing ventures.
- Sadara Ventures: A venture capital fund investing in Palestinian high-tech startups, aiming to integrate them into the broader tech ecosystem.
- Rawabi: A planned Palestinian city with a focus on developing a tech hub, initially collaborating with Israeli companies to gain international credibility.
- EcoPeace Middle East: An NGO addressing environmental issues by promoting cooperation between Israeli, Palestinian, and Jordanian stakeholders.
Many observers counsel that cooperative efforts can only flourish if there is a political settlement between Israel and Palestine. On the other hand, could these and other organizational efforts help spur a more general political reconciliation?