Concurrent mob violence in mixed Arab and Jewish areas from Lod, Acre, to Ramleh and Jaffa ignited literal and metaphorical fires that set backpains taking progress toward peaceful coexistence. Many of Israel’s largest corporations are trying to quench those fires through public statements decrying violence and promoting inclusion and coexistence.

Momo Mahadav, CEO of the Israeli standard-setting organization for corporate social responsibility (CSR) Maala, commented that this unprecedented outpouring of statements from Israel’s business leaders “shows some hope in this depressing situation.”

As Bank Hapoalim CEO Dov Kotler explained on social media, “There are moments when it is obligatory for the business sector to make its voice heard clearly.”

Intel, The Strauss Group, Israel Discount Bank, Applied Materials, SAP, Western Digital, Osem and Tnuva were among dozens of companies that added calming, constructive voices to the public debate.

BHRRC collected some of the statements published by the companies.