Arabs make up 20% of the country’s population and Arabic is an official language in Israel. Yet the divide between the Jewish and Arab population seems to be deepening, at least in the media. Add to this a tense political climate and difficult day-to-day situations, and it can get hard to see past the stereotypes. So here are seven Israeli Arabs bringing positive change in their country and shattering prejudice.

Sami Tamimi

Say thank you. Co-author of „Jerusalem”, practically a foodie Bible, Sami grew up in Jerusalem and later moved to London, where he struck a tight friendship with Jewish Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi. They share a city of birth and few successful restaurants with long waiting lines. Zip the lip: when you are waiting in line for the best Middle Eastern food in the land of fish and chips, you know better than to complain.

Lucy Aharish

The honorary torchlighter for 2015’s Independence Day ceremony (watch here), Lucy Aharish is the first Arab Muslim news anchor on Israeli Hebrew television. The 36-year-old journalist is brave and outspoken, garnering international attention after a passionate discourse urging Palestinian leaders to take responsibility and stop spreading hatred. Lucy, your voice needs to be heard more!

Nissren Kader

Winner of the popular Israeli show “Eyal Golan is Calling You”, Nissren comes from the north of Israel and is a well-appreciated wedding singer of the Arab community. The show is won through the vote of the public — and Nissren was voted with enthusiasm. Her closing performance included a Hebrew prayer for befallen soldiers. Wow, just wow.

Alaa Waheeb

IDF Major Alaa Waheeb, the highest ranked Muslim in the Israeli Army, got your back. Alaa has toured around England during Israel Apartheid Week to speak to colleges about his life, career and experiences, all of which contradict the slanderous narrative of Israel as an apartheid state. Major Waheeb, thank you for your service!

Nof Atamna Ismaeel

Microbiologist by day and cook by night, Nof took home a MasterChef prize three years ago, adding it to her shelf of postdoctoral degrees and awards. The scientist turned chef also sees the kitchen as a fertile place to foster peace, and dreams about opening a culinary school for Jews and Arabs alike. We’ll be there for the big opening day! And yes, we’ll have that second helping of food too.

Sayed Kashua

Tongue-in-cheek comedian, unapologetic journalist, relentless critic of Israeli and Arab society alike, Sayed’s show „Arab Labor” on Channel Two has been largely praised by Jewish audiences and critics. Sayed studied sociology and philosophy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and later he went on to become one of the most famous Israeli modern writers. No sweat. Following the last Gaza war, Sayed took a sabbatical from the Middle East heat and currently enjoys the somewhat colder climate of the State of Illinois. His new job? Hebrew teacher.

Hossam Haick

Live from the Technion University in Haifa, this is Professor Haick. Known for his breakthrough work in nanotechnology and non-invasive disease diagnosis, Professor Hossam Haick, the only Arab Christian in this bunch, is the developer of NA NOSE, a device that can detect illness just through breath. A leader in his field, he teaches a high-in-demand class on nanosensors on Coursera. Oh yes, this is the only such class currently on offer and it’s being taught in Arabic. From Israel.

Still craving more colors and flavors from Israel? We’ve got something for you.