sponsored a 2002 conference "An End to Borders: Arab Civil Society Takes up the Challenge" in partnership with the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies. The conference created important links between Palestinian civil society organizations inside Israel with partners in the wider Arab world. Ameer Makhoul Arrest In May, 2010, Ittijah's director, Ameer Makhoul was arrested by the Israeli Shin Bet and accused of meeting with a Hezbollah spy who recruited him to engage in espionage against Israel. An Israeli court sealed his arrest under gag order at the request of the security services. Neither his name nor his detention could be reported in the Israeli media. Nevertheless, an Israeli online news outlet and foreign blog did break the gag and report his identity. Jaja reportedly helped Ittijah purchase the building housing its offices. Makhoul later admitted to spying for Hezbollah, as part of a plea bargain. The Haifa District Court sentenced Makhoul in January 2011 to "nine years in prison and another year suspended sentence for charges of spying and contact with a foreign agent from the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant organization." Other activities In 2003, Ittijah issued a petition protesting the attempted murder of Arab Knesset Member Issam Makhoul. On Friday, 24 October 2003, a bomb was placed under MK Makhoul's car. Ittijah argued that the anonymous attack was the result of public incitement against the Arab leaders by the Israeli government. Ittijah asked the government to step back from its attacks that create an uncontrollable atmosphere of violence. Thirty-four Arab, non-governmental organizations in Israel were initial signatories to the petition calling for defense of the democratic right of Arab Israelis to take part in Israel's public and political life. In August 2004, Ittijah achieved Special Consultative status from the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, the first Palestinian NGO within Israel to gain consultative status with a United Nations council. See also Abnaa el-Balad References External links Critical description of Ittijah by NGO Watch Human rights organizations based in Israel Non-governmental organizations involved in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict Organizations based in the State of Palestine Supraorganizations