The contribution of school climate, socioeconomic status, ethnocultural affiliation, and school level to language arts scores: A multilevel moderated mediation model.

Evidence suggests that schools can promote academic success and higher grades by reducing the negative effect of socioeconomic disadvantage through the mediation of a positive climate. However, a critical question largely remains unanswered: Does the mediation of positive school climate on the link between socioeconomic background and academic achievement remain similar for all schools in all cultures and among all ethnic groups? Using a nationally representative database with school climate and language arts test scores of primary and secondary Hebrew and Arabic language schools in Israel (N = 1188), we examined the contribution of both internal (i.e., school climate and grade level) and external (i.e., ethnocultural and socioeconomic backgrounds) influences on schools' language arts test scores. Using multilevel analyses, findings indicated that the magnitude of the mediation of positive school climate, as manifested by a greater sense of security and decreased school violence, in the link between socioeconomic status and test scores was significant only for elementary schools educating Arabic language minority populations and not for nonminority elementary Hebrew language schools. However, this was not the case for secondary schools, where evidence of higher test scores in schools with positive school climate did not emerge. Despite the many socioeconomic obstacles that ethnocultural minority students face, these results indicate that schools prioritizing a positive climate can increase academic opportunities and level the playing field for students from vulnerable cultures and backgrounds. School professionals are encouraged to invest resources that improve school climate to support underprivileged students' prosperity, especially in schools educating students from minoritized backgrounds, where more significant contributions likely exist. Implications for educational policy and future research are discussed.

Unraveling Trust Issues Towards Mental Health Professionals Among Bedouin-Arab Minority in Israel.

Trust in mental health professionals and services profoundly impacts health outcomes. However, understanding trust in mental health professionals, especially in ethnic minority contexts, is lacking. To explore this within the Bedouin-Arab minority, a qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 Bedouins in southern Israel. Participants were primarily female (60%) married (60%), averaging 34.08 years old. Employing grounded theory, three themes emerged. Firstly, concerns about confidentiality were central, eroding trust due to societal repercussions. Secondly, factors influencing confidentiality concerns and distrust were tied to Bedouin-Arab social structures and cultural values rather than professional attributes. Lastly, the consequences of distrust included reduced help-seeking. This study enriches the understanding of trust in mental health professionals among non-Western ethnic minorities, highlighting how cultural factors shape perceptions of mental health services and distrust. Addressing confidentiality worries demands Bedouin mental health professionals to acknowledge hurdles, build community ties, and demonstrate expertise through personal connections and events.

Familial vs sporadic multiple sclerosis in the Israeli population: Differences in ethnicity distribution and disease progression, with anticipation in successive generations.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may cluster in families, an entity known as familial MS (FMS), possibly due to aggregation of genetic and environmental factors. Though previous studies have characterized FMS in different populations, no study to the best of our knowledge has yet characterized FMS in the unique Israeli population, which is comprised of relatively endogamous ethnicities. Our goal in this study was to compare demographic and clinical characteristics between FMS and sporadic MS (SMS), and to search for intra-familial patterns. METHODS: In a retrospective study of 101 FMS patients and 508 SMS patients, ethnicity and sex distribution was assessed. Clinical aspects were compared between 172 paired FMS and SMS patients, matched for sex, age and ethnicity, and between generations of the FMS cohort. RESULTS: Females comprised 75.3 % of FMS and 67.5 % of SMS patients (p = 0.1). Ethnic distribution was significantly different between FMS and SMS (p = 0.014), with the former comprising a higher proportion of Christian-Arabs (15.4% vs. 5.1 %, p = 0.004) and lower proportion of Jews (60% vs. 74.2 %, p = 0.016). Age at disease onset or diagnosis, frequency of positive Oligoclonal bands and comorbidity of other autoimmune/inflammatory disease or chronic diseases was comparable between FMS and SMS, yet motor symptoms at onset were more prevalent in FMS (34% vs. 20 %, p = 0.02). Annualized relapse rates throughout 10 years from onset were comparable. Among FMS, mean Expanded-Disability-Status-Scale (EDSS) and slope of deterioration in EDSS over 20 years from diagnosis were higher (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.023, respectively), time to EDSS ≥ 3 was shorter (7.1 vs. 12.1 years, HR 1.6, p = 0.036) and MS-Severity-Score (MSSS) was higher (3.84 vs. 2.95, p = 0.04), compared to SMS. Following adjustment for smoking, which tended to be higher among FMS patients (P = 0.06), mean EDSS and slope of deterioration in EDSS over 20 years remained significantly higher (p = 0.0006 and p = 0.025, respectively) in FMS, time to EDSS ≥ 3 tended to be higher (HR 1.5, p = 0.06), while MSSS was comparable. An inter-generational analysis of the total FMS cohort, as well as an intra-familial analysis, both adjusted for year of diagnosis, revealed significantly earlier age of onset (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001) and diagnosis (p = 0.001 and p < 0.0001) in the younger compared to the older generations, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this Israeli cohort, the proportions of specific ethnicities differ between FMS and SMS, indicating that FMS has a population-specific prevalence pattern, and that further investigation for susceptibility genes is warranted. Disease progression is faster in FMS patients and anticipation is observed in families with multiple cases of MS. Closer surveillance and application of a pro-active induction or early highly-effective therapeutic strategy for FMS patients should be considered, to reduce high disease activity and fast disability progression.

The mental health impact of the October 7th terror attack on Jews and Arabs in Israel: A nationwide prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: On October 7, 2023, Israeli citizens came under an unprecedented terrorist attack that impacted the entire country. Recent research has begun to document the mental health impact of the attack but has yet to address the question of whether the attack had a differential impact across ethnic communities. In this nationwide prospective cohort study, we aimed to determine possible differences in psychopathology between Jews and Arabs in the post-October 7th attack. Specifically, we aimed to understand the role ethnicity may play in changes in probable PTSD, depression, and anxiety diagnoses from pre- to post-attack. METHODS: The sample comprised 656 participants (332 female, 50.7%) aged 18-85 (M = 41.01, SD = 13.72). Of this cohort, 557 participants (84.9%) were Jews, and 99 (15.1%) were Arabs, reflecting their national proportionality. Validated self-report questionnaires were completed to assess PTSD, depression, and anxiety at two time points: August 20 to 30th, 2023 (T1; 6-7 weeks before the attack) and November 9-19, 2023 (T2; 5-6 weeks after the attack). RESULTS: At T2, Arab Israeli participants reported significantly higher prevalences of probable PTSD, depression, and anxiety diagnoses than Jewish Israeli participants. A series of hierarchical logistic regressions revealed that, compared with Jews, Arab participants presented with higher prevalence of probable PTSD (OR = 2.53 95% CI = 1.46-4.37, p < 0.0001), depression (OR = 1.68 95% CI = 1.35-3.01, p < 0.0001) and anxiety (OR = 6.42 95% CI = 3.95-10.52, p < 0.0001), controlling for prevalences of probable diagnoses at T1 as well as for trauma-related variables. DISCUSSION: Citizens belonging to the Arab ethnic minority in Israel were found to be at higher risk for psychopathology in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack compared with their Jewish majority counterparts. Thus, it becomes critical to employ culturally sensitive assessments and interventions following the attack to prevent the development of chronic symptoms and disorders.

Teacher well-being and organizational citizenship behavior in Arab educational system in Israel: The implications of teacher collective involvement in decision making and organizational commitment.

A gradual transition from a collectivist to a more individualist identity has been noted in the Arab minority with implications for teachers' well-being and organizational citizenship behavior. This study builds on the Job Demands-Control model to investigate the mediating role of teacher organizational commitment in the relationship between the teacher collective involvement in decision making to teacher well-being and organizational citizenship behavior. Data were collected from a sample of 350 teachers randomly chosen in the Arab educational system in Israel. Structural equation modeling (using the AMOS 21.0 program) was used to test the proposed relationships. The results indicate both a direct and indirect relationships (through the mediating role of teacher organizational commitment) of teacher collective involvement in decision making on teachers' well-being and organizational citizenship behavior. The model which tested both direct and indirect relationships (through organizational commitment) between collective involvement in decision making and teachers' organizational citizenship behavior, and well-being, showed good fit indices (χ² = 62.60; χ²/df = 2.50; CFI = .947, TLI = .905, IFI = .949; RMSEA = .066). Specifically, the bootstrapping analysis reaffirmed the mediating role of organizational commitment between collective involvement in decision making and well-being (ß = -.04, p < .001) and organizational citizenship behavior (ß = .11, p < .001). Implications for theory and practice are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The relationship between impulsiveness and indirect aggression among Arab female adolescents in Israel: The mediating role of affiliation with delinquent peers and moderating role of closeness to parents.

This study examined the mediating role of affiliation with delinquent peers (ADP) and the moderating role of closeness to parents in the relationship between impulsivity and perpetration of indirect aggression. Arab female adolescents in Israel (aged 12-21; N = 404) completed a self-report questionnaire. The mediation-moderation model was examined after controlling for intersectional factors related to the females' unique social locations in Arab society. The study found that 66.1% of the girls had perpetrated at least one indirect act of aggression at least once during the past month. Moreover, most reported agreement with at least one item that examined their closeness to their father and mother (75.7% and 77%, respectively). The results also showed that the direct effect of impulsivity on perpetration of indirect aggression against others became significant after including the mediation factor (ADP). Finally, for high closeness to parents, the association between impulsivity and ADP was positive and significant, whereas it was insignificant for medium and low closeness. The findings highlight the importance of operationalized as parent-closeness to parents, child communication skills, boundary setting, and monitoring, which may decrease the tendency of adolescents to perpetrate aggression. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A strengths-based approach to exploring diabetes management in an Indigenous minority population: A mixed methods study.

Indigenous and other marginalized racial/ethnic minorities have poorer health status than majority populations, including higher rates of type 2 diabetes. These disparities have typically been addressed using a 'deficit-based' discourse that isolates disease management from the broader social, economic, political context and does not incorporate patient perspectives. We aimed to explore factors affecting glycemic control among Indigenous Arabs with diabetes in Israel using a strengths-based approach that centered participants' knowledge of their context, needs, resources and strengths. We conducted an exploratory sequential mixed methods study, which included 10 focus groups (5 men's, 5 women's) and 296 quantitative in-person surveys. Participants with diagnosed diabetes were randomly drawn from the patient list of the largest healthcare service organization (survey response rate: 93%). Prominent and interconnected themes emerged from focus group discussions, including: diet, physical activity, and social, economic, mental/psychological and political stress. The discussions raised the need for adapting diabetes management approaches to incorporate participants' communal, physical and psychological well-being, and socioeconomic/political realities. The connections between these factors and diabetes management were also reflected in multivariable analyses of the survey data. Women (OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.09-4.63), people with disabilities (OR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.28-4.64), and unemployed people (OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.28-5.44) had higher odds of economic barriers to diabetes management. Furthermore, female sex (OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.25-4.09), unemployment (OR: 4.07; 95% CI: 1.64-10.10), and suboptimal glycemic control (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.03-1.41 per 1-unit increase in HbA1c) were associated with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. A pro-active, team-based healthcare approach incorporating Indigenous/minority participants' knowledge, experience, and strengths has the potential to improve individuals' diabetes management. Healthcare services should be structured in ways that enable providers to listen to their patients, address their key concerns, and foster their strengths.

COVID-19 hospitalisation, mortality, vaccination, and postvaccination trends among people with schizophrenia in Israel: a longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with schizophrenia have an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, nonetheless, no previous study has provided a year-long account of this risk, or assessed postvaccination trends in this population. This study assessed temporal trends in COVID-19 hospitalisation and mortality among people with schizophrenia during the first year of the pandemic, the predictors for COVID-19 vaccination, postvaccination infection, admission to hospital, and mortality. METHODS: In this longitudinal cohort study, people with schizophrenia (n=25 539) and controls (n=25 539) were assessed for COVID-19 outcomes before and after vaccination, up to April 30, 2021. Cox proportional hazard regression models and Kaplan-Meier analyses were done to assess longitudinal trends. The study used the databases of Clalit Health Services, the largest health-care organisation in Israel. FINDINGS: The sample included 51 078 participants, of which 31 141 (61·0%) male and 19 937 (39·0%) female participants, with a mean age of 51·94 years (SD 15·62). Most of the sample was from the general Jewish population (75·9%), followed by the Arab (19·1%) and Jewish Ultraorthodox population (5·1%). Overall of 51 078 individuals, 356 (0·7%) people had been hospitalised, 133 (0·3%) had died, and a total of 27 400 (53·6%) had been vaccinated. People with schizophrenia showed a higher risk for COVID-19 hospitalisation (HR 4·81, 95% CI 3·57-6·48, p<0·0001) and mortality (HR 2·52, 95% CI 1·64-3·85, p<0·0001), and showed a sharper decline in survival as time progressed. The control group showed a sharper incline in probability to vaccinate (log-rank=309·88, p<0·0001). Medical comorbidity of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or ischaemic heart disease played a significant role in predicting vaccination rates in the schizophrenia group (all p<0·0001), but not in the control group. Hospitalisation and mortality disparities remained higher among people with schizophrenia who had not been vaccinated in comparison to controls (incidence rate difference of 6·2 and 3·2, respectively) but substantially declined in fully vaccinated groups (incidence rate difference of 1·1 and -0·9, respectively). INTERPRETATION: People with schizophrenia have higher hospitalisation and mortality risk, yet have lower rates of vaccination than in the general population. Disparities in COVID-19 severe outcomes can be substantially reduced by national vaccination plans aimed at actively reaching out to people with schizophrenia. FUNDING: No funding.

Between a woman and her fetus: Bedouin women mediators advance the health of pregnant women and babies in their society.

INTRODUCTION: Bedouin women in Israel confront a challenging circumstance between their traditional patriarchal society and transition to modernity. In terms of reproductive health, they face grave disparities as women, pregnant women and mothers. In this article we aim to understand the challenges of Bedouin women who work as mediators in the promotion of Bedouin women's perinatal health. We explore their challenges with the dual and often conflictual role as health peer-instructors-mediators in mother-and-child clinics, and also as members of a Bedouin community, embodying a status as women, mothers, and family caretakers. Drawn upon a feminist interpretative framework, the article describes their challenges in matters of perinatal health. Our research question is: how do women who traditionally suffer from blatant gender inequality utilize health-promotion work to navigate and empower themselves and other Bedouin women. METHODS: Based on an interpretive feminist framework, we performed narrative analysis on eleven in-depth interviews with health mediators who worked in a project in the Negev area of Israel. The article qualitatively analyses the ways in which Bedouin women mediators narrate their challenging situations. RESULTS: This article shows how difficult health mediators' task may be for women with restricted education who struggle for autonomy and better social and maternal status. Through their praxis, women mediators develop a critical perspective without risking their commitments as women who are committed to their work as well as their society, communities, and families. These health mediators navigate their ways between the demands of their employer (the Israeli national mother and child health services) and their patriarchal Bedouin society. While avoiding open conflictual confrontations with both hegemonic powers, they also develop self-confidence and a critical and active approach. CONCLUSIONS: The article shows the ways by which the mediator's activity involved in perinatal health-promotion may utilize modern perinatal medical knowledge to increase women's awareness and autonomy over their pregnant bodies and their role as caregivers. We hope our results will be applicable for other women as well, especially for women who belong to other traditional and patriarchal societies.

Morbidity among Arab-Israeli and Palestinian Hajj Pilgrims: A Prospective Study.

Thousands of Palestinian and Arab-Israeli pilgrims travel to Mecca each year to complete their pilgrimage. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have characterized the infectious and noninfectious morbidity among Arab-Israeli or Palestinian Hajj pilgrims. Thus, we designed and conducted an observational questionnaire-based study to prospectively investigate the occurrence of health problems among these Hajjis who traveled to complete their Pilgrimage during 2019 Hajj season. For the purpose of the study, questionnaires were distributed to Hajj pilgrims at three different time occasions-before travel, inquiring on demographics and medical comorbidities; and 1 and 4 weeks after returning recording any health problems encountered during or after travel. Initial recruitment included 111 Hajjis. The mean age of responders was 49.5 (±9.1) years, with a Male:Female ratio of 1.3:1. The mean travel duration was 18.7 (13-36) days. Altogether, 66.3% of the pilgrims reported at least one health problem during and after the trip, of which 38.6% sought medical attention. Five (4.8%) hajjis were hospitalized, including life-threatening conditions. Cough was the most common complaint (53.8%), and 11.5% also reported fever. Pretravel counseling was associated with reduced outpatient and emergency room visits. We therefore concluded that a high rate of morbidity was reported among this cohort of Hajj pilgrims with a morbidity spectrum similar to pilgrims from other countries. Pretravel consultation with the purpose of educating the pilgrims on the health risks of Hajj may help reduce the morbidity for future Hajj seasons.

Age at diagnosis of cancer in 185delAG BRCA1 mutation carriers of diverse ethnicities: tentative evidence for modifier factors.

Germline pathogenic sequence variants (PSVs) in BRCA1 substantially increase risk for developing breast (BC) and ovarian cancer (OvC). Yet, incomplete penetrance suggests that modifier factors affect phenotypic expression of mutant BRCA1 alleles. Analysis of identical BRCA1 PSV carriers of diverse ethnicities may provide further evidence for modifier factors. Female carriers of the 185delAG BRCA1 PSV identified through high-risk clinics in Israel, and Manchester England from 1998-2018 were eligible. Data were retrieved from patients records and confirmed (in Israel) by cross referencing with the Israeli National Cancer Registry. Overall, 2503 female carriers were included: 1715 (71.4%) Ashkenazi Jews (AJ), 201 (8.3%) Iraqi Jews and 383 (15.9%) of mixed ethnicity. In 102 (4.2%) cases ethnicity could not be ascertained. Of Israeli AJ carriers 649 (37.8%), 256 (14.9%) and 62 (3.6%) were diagnosed with BC, OvC or both cancers, respectively. For the Iraqi Jews these frequencies were 76 (37.8%), 43 (21.4%), and 8 (3.98%), respectively. Age at diagnosis of BC in AJ and Iraqi Jews was 46.7 ± 12.3 years and 52.8 ± 12.2 years, respectively (p = 0.001). For OvC age at diagnosis for AJ was 53.5 ± 10.7 years and for Iraqi Jews 50.1 ± 8.8 years (p = 0.0027). No differences in these parameters were noted between English Jews (n = 110) and non-Jews (n = 32). Age at diagnosis of BC and OvC differs between AJ and Iraqi Jews who carry an identical BRCA1 PSV. This finding supports the existence of modifier factors that may be ethnic specific.

Squamate bone taphonomy: A new experimental framework and its application to the Natufian zooarchaeological record.

Squamate (lizard and snake) remains are abundant in the terminal Pleistocene Natufian archaeological sites of the Levant, raising the question of whether they constitute part of the broad-spectrum diet characteristic of this period. However, the role of squamates in Natufian diets remains unclear, as they are taphonomically under-studied. We conducted a series of experiments and actualistic observations that tested the impact of pre- and post-depositional processes on squamate vertebrae. We emphasized the multiple destruction processes that leave overlapping or altered marks on the bones, such as digestion marks that were modified by trampling. The resulting bone modification typology provides a tool for studying archaeological squamate remains. The experimental data were compared to the archaeological bone samples of the Natufian sequence of el-Wad Terrace (Mount Carmel, Israel, 15,000-12,000 cal BP). The Natufian squamate samples deviate from all actualistic ones in their lesser evidence of digestion and much greater indications for trampling, erosion and breakage. The taphonomic study, coupled with intra-site analysis, has unraveled the complex depositional history of el-Wad Terrace, enabling us to differentiate between cultural and non-cultural contexts and to identify possible human consumption of the European glass lizard and the large whip snake in the Natufian.

A culturally-competent approach to emergency management: What lessons can we learn from the COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic, like other disasters, is exposing and exacerbating social, economic, and health care inequalities. Although the ethical and clinical imperative of providing culturally-competent health care has long been recognized, the influence of culturally-competent interventions within emergency management has not been systematically examined. This paper discusses several culturally-competent strategies that were taken by the Israeli national and local authorities in high-risk areas and communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition to controlling the pandemic outbreak, such an approach has the potential to reduce social disparities in health care, promote community resilience, and facilitate social cohesion. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Emotional distress among the Bedouin Arab and Jewish elderly in Israel: The roles of gender, discrimination, and self-esteem.

Mental-health problems are common among older adults, especially those who are members of disadvantaged ethnic minorities. We explored ethnic and gender differences in emotional distress, perceived discrimination, and self-esteem among elderly Bedouin Arab and Jewish individuals in Israel, as well as the moderating role of discrimination in the association between self-esteem and emotional distress among Bedouin Arabs. The sample included 256 older adults (60 years old and above): 147 native-born Israeli Jews and 109 Bedouin Arabs. Participants completed self-report questionnaires that assessed emotional distress, perceived discrimination, self-esteem, and sociodemographic factors. Israeli Jews reported lower levels of emotional distress than Bedouin Arabs. Bedouin Arab women reported more emotional distress than Bedouin Arab men. Among the Bedouin Arabs, gender differences were found in the associations of perceived discrimination and self-esteem with emotional distress. Among the Bedouin men, discrimination and self-esteem were found to be significant predictors of emotional distress. Among the Bedouin women, we found a similar association between self-esteem and emotional distress. However, the protective role of self-esteem disappeared in the context of higher levels of daily discrimination. This study underscores how gender can affect the moderating role of discrimination in the association between self-esteem and emotional distress among the elderly.

Age at Onset of Parkinson's Disease Among Ashkenazi Jewish Patients: Contribution of Environmental Factors, LRRK2 p.G2019S and GBA p.N370S Mutations.

BACKGROUND: Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the potential association of several relevant variables with PD age at onset (AAO), focusing on LRRK2 p.G2019S and GBA p.N370S mutations. METHODS: Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) PD patients, screened for LRRK2 and GBA mutations, underwent an interview regarding exposure to the following environmental and lifestyle factors: cigarette smoking, consumption of coffee, tea and alcohol, head injury and rural living. Multivariate linear regression (adjusted for sex) was used to examine the association with AAO, and models included LRRK2 p.G2019S and GBA p.N370S mutation status (carrier/non-carriers), single environmental variable and their interactions terms, as independent variables. RESULTS: 225 Israeli AJ PD patients were enrolled: 65 LRRK2 p.G2019S mutation carriers, 60 GBA p.N370S carriers and 100 non-carries of these mutations. In the dichotomized exposure/non-exposure analyses, positive LRRK2 p.G2019S status was associated with younger AAO in all models, at nominal or near significant levels (p = 0.033-0.082). Smoking was associated with older AAO (p = 0.032), and the interaction between GBA p.N370S and history of head injury was associated with younger AAO (p = 0.049), both at nominal significance. There was no indication of a consistent main effect for GBA p.N370S status or significant LRRK2 p.G2019S-environmental factor interaction. In the dose-dependent analyses, increased coffee and tea consumption levels were associated with older AAO (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that genetic and environmental factors may affect AAO in PD patients, but validation in additional samples is required.

Conceiving one's national group as transgenerational: Effects on attitudes towards 'foreign' and diaspora migrants.

The current paper presents three studies, which suggest that perceiving one's nation as transgenerational (TG) is related to a differentiation in the evaluation of ethnically German diaspora migrants and ethnically non-German ('foreign') migrants. First, we find that unlike 'classical' concepts such as right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), and hierarchic self-interest (HSI), TG explains differences in derogatory sentiments expressed towards diaspora and 'foreign' migrants. Second, TG is differentially related to positive emotions and behavioral intentions expressed towards these two groups of migrants. Lastly, results indicate that people who perceive the ingroup as TG require 'foreign' migrants to fulfill more criteria that make them eligible for citizenship and are thereby more exclusionist than people who include only the current generation into their concept of national identity. The social implications of these findings in face of the so-called refugee crisis in Germany and the wider European Union are discussed.

Inequality in in-hospital mortality due to road traffic accident between ethnic populations in specified groups living in the same country.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic accidents (RTA) are not equally distributed between ethnic groups, disproportionately affecting minorities. In Israel, Arabs are at higher risk of involvement in RTA relative to their proportion in the population. This study aims to compare the risk of in-hospital mortality from RTA between Arabs and Jews in Israel and to identify the factors associated with mortality in each population group. METHODS: This study is based on the Israeli National Trauma Registry of patients hospitalized due to road traffic injuries (Injury Severity Score 16+) between 2008 and 2017. Demographic, injury and hospitalization characteristics, evacuation means and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. Hierarchical multivariate logistic regression with random intercept for the treating hospital was performed to estimate the risk of mortality. RESULTS: Of the 11,523 hospitalizations reported, 29% were Arabs, which is higher than their proportion in the Israeli population (21%). When comparing Arabs with Jews they were younger (ages 0-24 years - 61% vs 30%), injured as a car driver (28% vs 20%) or passenger (21% vs 15%) and less likely to be a motor cyclist (8.8% vs. 19.2%). In addition, Arabs were more likely to suffer from critical injuries (51% vs 44%) and head injuries (71% vs 66%). Although Arabs were less likely to be evacuated by ambulance (68% vs 80%), they were more likely to be evacuated by a private vehicle or an emergency medical helicopter. Transfers between hospitals were greater among Arabs (14% vs 22%), as were hospital admissions "outside official work hours" (70% vs 78%) and hospital resource utilization. After accounting for demographic, injury, and hospitalization characteristics the risk of in-hospital mortality was significantly higher among Arabs compared to Jews (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.14-2.32). The significantly higher mortality among Arabs was apparent in the sub-group of patients who were critically injured and in those who arrived at the hospital "outside official work hours". CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the need for developing appropriate interventions focusing on the Arab community in general, and according to the analysis of risk groups and areas of injury in particular, including rapid access to emergency medical services and definitive care.

Exposure to Analogous Harmdoing Increases Acknowledgment of Ingroup Transgressions in Intergroup Conflicts.

A major barrier to the resolution of intergroup conflicts is the reluctance to acknowledge transgressions committed by one's ingroup toward the outgroup. Existing research demonstrates that individuals are generally motivated to justify ingroup conduct and avoid experiencing guilt and shame about ingroup harmdoing. The current work explores the use of an analogy-based intervention to attenuate motivated reasoning in evaluations of ingroup harmdoing. Overall, across six studies, we find support for our hypothesis that considering a case of harmdoing in a removed context increases acknowledgment of an analogous case of ingroup harmdoing. We further explore why, and under what conditions, the analogy is effective in leading to increased acknowledgment of an ingroup transgression. We find that the effect of the analogy is mediated by the endorsement of moral principles specific to the domain of the transgression, suggesting that the mechanism involves a cognitive process of analogical reasoning.

Arab Threat and Social Control: An Exploration of the Relationship Between Ethnic Attitudes and Punitiveness Among Israeli Jews.

Numerous studies in the United States, as well as a smaller number of studies in other Westernized countries, have linked racial and ethnic attitudes to support for more punitive forms of crime control. The current study explores this relationship in Israel by assessing whether the degree to which Israeli Jews typify crime as an Israeli Arab phenomenon and/or resent Israeli Arabs is related to support for punitive criminal justice policies. The findings suggest that ethnic typification and resentment are related to general punitive attitudes, whereas ethnic apathy and resentment are related to greater support for the death penalty. Also, the relationship between ethnic typification and punitiveness is stronger among those who are less resentful.