Thanks to the generosity of the Atkin Foundation, ICSR offers young leaders from Israel and the Arab world the opportunity to come to London for a period of four months, producing a research paper as the result of their work. The purpose of the fellowship is to provide young leaders from Israel and the Arab world with an opportunity to develop their ideas on how to further peace and understanding in the Middle East through research, debate and constructive dialogue in a neutral political environment.
Nieme Ayoub was the Israeli Atkin Fellow for Autumn 2015. Nieme is an Arab Israeli citizen from Nazareth who worked as the head of the Arab sector at the Manufacturers Association of Israel (MAI). Nieme’s role was centred on supporting Arab manufacturers through their ongoing challenges and promoting the integration of the Arab sector within the Israeli economy.
Nieme’s experience, beliefs, and vision as an Arab Israeli citizen has made him determined that something must be done to change the political situation. They have led him to realize the importance of exploring the idea of promoting peace through economic growth and business ties — believing that in the long run, it is economics that determines the fates of nations and it is economics that determines the way in which nations interact.
