Mission
Derech Eretz provides citizens with effective tools for governing the country—at the neighborhood, city, and Knesset levels. We are rebuilding civic solidarity in Israel by uniting people across ideological and religious divides.
About Us
Derech Eretz is a civic movement that empowers Israeli citizens to participate in the political decision-making process. We provide financial, legal, and educational support to civic initiatives, helping to turn ideas into real change.
At the district level: through “Derech Eretz” initiative groups, which address local issues faced by residents.
At the city level: through movement coordinators and direct engagement with municipalities to influence the urban agenda.
At the national level: through parliamentary lobbying, promoting legislation on the status of district councils, preparing policy briefs for the Knesset, and organizing regular meetings between activists and politicians.
The Dor Moria Research Center serves as the analytical foundation for the program. The methodologies, theoretical framework, and diagnostic tools are based on the center’s research.
Vision
We see Israel as a society in which grassroots governance has become the accepted norm, and ethnic, religious, and ideological differences have given way to a shared sense of civic responsibility.
Institutionalization of civic participation
We are committed to ensuring that Israeli citizens have official channels through which they can influence decision-making at both the municipal and national levels. Our top priority is to legalize neighborhood councils so that they become a standard and recognized state institution.
Depoliticizing social divisions
We depoliticize social conflicts by bringing people together to address practical issues at the neighborhood and city levels. Secular and religious Jews and Arabs, “Russians” and Hebrew-speaking Israelis act first and foremost as fellow citizens with shared interests, rather than as isolated groups.
Access to civic engagement resources
We provide every Israeli citizen with access to the financial, educational, and legal resources needed to carry out initiatives that benefit the community. Our mission is to remove barriers and empower people to make a difference in their communities.
Connection to Dor Moria
The Derech Eretz movement is a network of initiative groups and nongovernmental organizations and is not a legal entity. Dor Moriah is a member of this network and performs the necessary administrative and analytical functions. Dor Moriah has been operating in Israel for 10 years and holds a “Form 46,” which allows donors to claim tax deductions on their donations.