Arnon Bar-David, chair of the Histadrut, Israel’s largest labor union, sent a letter to Shaher Saed, chair of the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions, wishing a happy Ramadan holiday to Palestinian union members. The two Israeli and Palestinian trade unions have a long-standing relationship of cooperation, including Histadrut activity representing Palestinian workers in Israel. During the recent coronavirus pandemic, among other joint projects, the Histadrut has fought to secure health coverage for Palestinian workers who stayed in Israel when the border closed.
The letter from Bar-David to Saed reads as follows:
"On behalf of the Histadrut, all the workers in Israel and myself as well, I would like to extend our best wishes for a happy Ramadan Kareem to you, your family, your people and all the Palestinian workers!"
"Today more than ever, the Histadrut under my guidance continues to care for the interests and rights of Palestinian workers. The current coronavirus crisis emphasizes the need for solidarity, a joint effort, and a collective voice to overcome these trying times and their adverse developments in the world of work."
"I want to reassure you that the Histadrut is working with all the relevant interlocutors in Israel to alleviate the difficulties of all workers, regardless of religion, race, and gender."
"I want to take the opportunity to express my sincere hope that trade unions throughout the world and the workers they represent, who face unprecedented and enormous challenges in their workplaces, will overcome this predicament, and together in constant solidarity, we will be able to return to the track of routine and peace, which will enable us to attain prosperity and tranquility.”
___________________________________________________________
Brought to press with the help of the International Relations Division of the Histadrut