The NIForum began as an international gathering held on February 12, 2006 at Columbia University . This daylong conference was designed to explore the special challenges Israel faces as a Jewish and democratic state, focusing particularly on minority rights and the religion/state relationship . Diaspora and Israeli thinkers including Justice Dalia Dorner, former MK Naomi Chazan, Hassan Jabareen and J.J. Goldberg joined us in grappling with these issues and shaping visions for Israel 's future.

Though this year's conference is over, the discussion continues—at NIForum.org. All too often, the discourse surrounding Israel tends toward oversimplification. We at the New Israel Fund seek to embrace the complexity of challenges and opportunities facing us, and provide a unique experience and voice for supporters and partners of Israeli civil society in the Diaspora.

We encourage you to get informed about the key challenges facing Israel and the steps NIF is taking to meet them; to get involved by reading the blog and posting your comments; and to get real by joining the NIF community at events with the leaders of Israel's social change movement—or better yet, travel with us to Israel and see for yourself.

NIForum.org - learn, debate and join NIF in creating a new conversation.