1.    Why was the name 'City without Violence' chosen? Wouldn't you be better off with a more positive name?

In order to confront the issue of violence, just like any other difficulty, we must first acknowledge it and understand its meaning. The use of the word "violence" in the name of the program is meant to raise the problem and maintain awareness to the issue.  Refining the name might have sounded better, but it is also very important to look the problem directly in the eyes.

2.    Is the term "without violence" not a bit pretentious?

What drove the program in its first steps was the determination and a sincere belief that we can make a change, that there are many people in Israel who do care and know that giving up on the problem benefits no one.

We are always searching for sociological explanations for violence: different cultures, social gaps, immigration and so on. The "City without Violence" program focuses on the social reaction to the phenomenon. The basic assumption of the program is that violence is probable only if the responders, such as parents, teachers and law enforcement agencies, to it allow it. Due to this assumption, no matter the social reality of the surroundings, a positive and effective reaction to violence can be created.

We feel that the key is taking responsibility and the willingness to confront every possible situation. That said, we also are aware that the journey has just begun and there is still a long way ahead of us.  The more people we can recruit who will believe in the program – our success will be greater.

3.    The city of Eilat is relatively a small and different city compared to other cities in Israel. How can it be used as a model city for the program?

The city of Eilat, in which the program was developed, is in fact a small city with unique characteristics. That said, the model of the program is a methodological model which is compatible for any other city and is modified according to their needs which they decide upon. In every city there is a local program director who works directly with the Mayor and a local staff who modify the model for their city, while being monitored and directed by the national professional staff.  

4.    Why does the city itself have to claim responsibility for the problem? Obviously this behavior starts with the education youth receive at home.

The "City without Violence" program offers solutions in the field of parental responsibility. The basic assumption is that today, all educators, including parents, are in a certain sense of helplessness and confusion when it comes to the proper reaction to violence. The program is designed to teach the educators how to set boundaries, to react in a brief and clear way which will restore the hierarchy and adult authority. This will also have a positive effect on the child who needs a clear and authoritative figure in his or her life for their proper development. The "Ilanot" program in children's kinder gardens has shown an 85% decrease in the children's violent behavior after assisting the teachers and parents to effectively respond. These results speak for themselves.

5.    What types of violence does the program confront?

The 'City without Violence' program is designed to confront every type of violence which occurs in the city. Due to this, there is a provided solution for treatment, prevention and enforcement for all types such as juvenile violence, violence deriving from boredom, domestic violence and sexual violence.

For more details or comments regarding the program , you may reach us at our Contact Us page.