Israel

project wadi attir

National Network
Israel
Address

the negev
hura 85730
Israel

Telephone
972525291122
E-Mail
amran@projectwadiattir.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2008
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. Environment/Sustainable development
  3. International/Cultural relations
  4. Research
  5. Youth and education
General Information
Project Wadi Attir is a groundbreaking initiative of a Bedouin community in the Negev desert, demonstrating an approach to sustainable dryland agriculture that leverages Bedouin traditional values, know-how and experience with modern-day science and cutting edge technologies. Initiated by The Sustainability Laboratory and the Hura Municipal Council, the governing body of a local Bedouin township, the project showcases implementation of holistic sustainability principles developed by The Lab. It demonstrates an approach to sustainable development in an arid environment, valid and replicable locally as well as in other similar regions around the world.
Mission and Objectives

Implementation of Project Wadi Attir has been supported by a uniquely broad coalition of groups involving a
government consortium led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and including the Ministry
of Development of the Negev and the Galilee; the Economic Development Authority in the Minority Sector
at the Prime Minster’s Office; and the Authority for Development and Housing of the Bedouin in the Negev;
as well as researchers from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the Jewish National Fund (USA), local
NGOs and kibbutzim, private sector enterprises, foundations, and individual donors.
 

Main Projects / Activities

- The Visitor, Training and Education Center
The project’s Visitor’s Center is designed to serve as an important eco-tourism destination, providing a source of income, while introducing visitors to Bedouin society, tradition and culture. The center also provides technical training for surrounding communities, acting as a source of ongoing empowerment, and it functions as a significant regional research and education center, serving primary and high schools from around the Negev.
- Herding and Dairy Initiative
The Herding and Dairy Initiative demonstrates a modern,
economically-viable model for animal husbandry that is
consistent with traditional practice. It produces a variety of
high-quality cheeses, and will soon utilize the full range of
herding byproducts, including dairy products, bio-gas fuel,
manure for fertilizer, and wool for weaving and crafts.
- Medicinal Plants Initiative
The Medicinal Plants Initiative preserves, documents,
and showcases traditional Bedouin knowledge in natural
healing remedies and body care utilizing desert herbs. It is
currently establishing a high-quality brand of healing and
cosmetic products, including creams, soaps, infusion teas
and essential oils.
-Indigenous Vegetable Initiative
The Indigenous Vegetable Initiative involves the cultivation
of a variety of authentic, indigenous desert vegetables,
in order to preserve heirloom desert varieties that are
disappearing from use and contribute to better nutrition
within the community. A women-led training program
helps reintroduce the cultivation of indigenous vegetables
on family-managed plots.
-Ecosystem Restoration Initiative
The project’s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative incorporates
an extensive soil enhancement, rainwater harvesting
and biodiversity enrichment agenda, demonstrating
an effective, low-impact approach to combatting
desertification.
- Integrated Infrastructure of
Green Technologies
The project site is supported by an integrated
infrastructure of green technologies. It includes a
pioneering hybrid wind/solar energy system, a state-ofthe-
art irrigation system, a bio-gas production system, a
wastewater treatment system, and a compositing facility.
 

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

Wadi Atir project is considered a successful example a number of aspects - one of the most important aspects are that we produced new language, a language of tribal families not based on tribalism but the deed and contribution to the entire community,
In addition to the new partnerships between government agencies and the Bedouin population. In addition to an ecological project success and introducing environmental awareness minority group in cooperation with other communities.
Another aspect is that we can contribute is to present insights on the environmental project, the way trying to find innovative solutions, technology-innovating and integrating the local population in all stages. All this is done for eight years of continuous hard work.
Our model can be copied to several different places and already has the view him as inspiration

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Our organization got a project that aims to connect all inhabited and be open to new dialogue , constructive dialogue brings together a variety of cultures , ideas , groups in order to learn lessons , to try and build a better future for all people . So we see the connection with a number of organizations and individuals who believe in a partnership where anything definitely meet our dreams and inhaled through the exchange of knowledge , experience and worldview

Contact (1) Full Name
amran amarni
Job Title
director
Head of the organisation
michael ben eli

Public Health Coalition

National Network
Israel
Address

P.O.B. 33340
Haifa
Israel

Telephone
+972-77-4140212
Fax
+972-4-8538701
E-Mail
ronit@phc.org.il
E-Mail (2)
maayan@phc.org.il
Mobile Phone
+972-44-750614
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2001
Fields of Activity
  1. Environment/Sustainable development
General Information
Staff: • Four paid employees: CEO, air quality expert, environmental epidemiologist, web content coordinator • Three professional consultants: a physical chemist, a soil specialist and a mechanical engineer. All of them are full-time volunteers • Teams of professionals specializing in various fields: industry, hazardous materials and planning, all of whom contribute several hours a week • Dozens of activists for the PHC and member organizations who are active in Haifa and Northern Israel Our total budget for 2012 is $304,476. The sources of funding are mainly grants, and to a much lesser extent private donations and lectures. A full income and expenses report will be sent upon request. Our modalities of action include four concrete projects, which are detailed below. The main partners involved in our projects are other NGOs and the general public.
Mission and Objectives

The Public Health Coalition (PHC) believes that every resident of Israel has the right to breathe clean air, live in a healthy environment and influence the conduct of the government in the area where he or she lives.
The Public Health Coalition works to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by environmental pollution by influencing governmental policy; raising public and stakeholder awareness; pressuring the authorities to enforce the law on emission of pollutants and promoting research and professional expertise in this field.
Our activity is focused in Northern Israel and the Haifa Bay area which suffers from long-term industrial pollution and elevated morbidity and mortality in comparison to the rest of the country.

Main Projects / Activities

In 2012, the PHC is involved in four main projects:
1. Air Pollution - this project in an on-going national project to improve the air quality in all of Israel. It includes several activities, such as: publication of a report in January 2012, monitoring the implementation of the Israeli clean air act which went into effect on January 2011; frequent meetings with representatives of local and national environmental authorities, encouraging them to enforce environmental laws; involvement in local and national air quality improvement programs committees and more.
2. Hazardous Materials - this project aims to reduce the potential of exposure to hazardous materials such as Ammonia, Bromine and LPG in Haifa Bay Area. Last January we attended a Knesset (Israeli parliament) committee meeting, dedicated to discussing our report about the economical costs of a hazardous material accident in Haifa Bay. We are also involved in the efforts to reduce the risk from Haifa Bay's LPG tanks and Ammonia tank.
3. Dangerous Chemicals at Home - this project aims to raise awareness within the general public, media and stake-holders (authorities, industry) to the harmful effects of specific chemicals within indoor environment, and to advocate to the authorities (ministry of Health, Agriculture, Environmental Protection and Industry, Trade and Labor) to promote policies to minimize the health effects of these chemicals. We have recently published a joint document with Public Trust, an Israeli NGO that promotes descent businesses, dealing with product labeling. There is also an upcoming brochure on safe and ecological cleaning in Israeli coffee shops and restaurants.
4. Environmental Health - this project is designed to raise awareness to the harmful health effects of environmental pollution. We have published an innovative report, dealing with the specific risks that air pollution poses to women's health through an international literature review and integration.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

We are the only organization in Israel which focuses only on environmental health. As such, we can contribute the health consequences aspect to any campaign in the country.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

We believe that collaboration between different organizations in a campaign can achieve much more than separate actions.

Contact (1) Full Name
Ronit Piso
Head of the organisation
Ronit Piso, Executive Director

Rabbis for Human Rights

National Network
Israel
Address

9 Harechavim St. Jerusalem 93462
Jerusalem
Israel

Telephone
972 (2) 648 2757
Fax
972 (2) 678 3611
E-Mail
ela@rhr.israel.net
E-Mail (2)
info@rhr.israel.net
E-Mail (3)
ela@rhr.israel.net
Mobile Phone
050 828 3100
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1988
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. Human rights
  3. Media
  4. Religion
  5. Youth and education
General Information
1. Board of RHR member Rabbis, 15 staff 2. 2006 Budget $678K 3. Rabbis and individual supporters in N. America, foundational support including Ford, Trocaire, NIF, NCA, Swedish Church, Foundation for ME Peace, and numerous Jewish family foundations 4. Dealing with particular issues of human rights violations in Israel and OT: action by volunteer activists, rabbis, and staff; legal efforts; lobby; media exposure; community involvement; Jewish and interfaith education 5. works in numerous coalitions and partnerships on an issue by issue basis.
Mission and Objectives

Rabbis for Human Rights is the only rabbinical organization in Israel explicitly dedicated to issues of human rights - promoting universal human rights based on the Torah’s teachings. RHR brings specific human rights grievances to the Israeli public’s attention and works for their redress. In three major project areas, RHR helps Israel live up to our highest Jewish values and Zionist ideals recorded in Israel’s Declaration of Independence: to protect human rights and fulfill the prophetic vision of Israel as a nation based on freedom, justice, and peace

Main Projects / Activities

Jewish and human rights education with Israeli pre-military academies, soldiers, university students, rabbis and educators, and interfaith forums.
Human rights in Israel, especially against the Israeli ‘Wisconsin Plan’ in Hadera and in Knesset lobbying on budget issues. Strong interest on issues of foreign workers, trafficking of women, health care.
Human rights in OT, especially agricultural access, administrative home demolitions and additionally as these relate to the route of the Separation Barrier and violence (particular focus currently in South Hebron Hills)

Contact (1) Full Name
Ela Greenberg (Director)
Head of the organisation
Ayala Levi
Contact (2) Full Name
Sam Shube

Rahat Community Centre - Rahat Municipality

National Network
Israel
Address

P.O.B 321, 85357
Rahat
Israel

Telephone
97289910504
Telephone (other)
97289917170
Fax
97289910504
E-Mail
alamoorm@013.net
Mobile Phone
9.73E+11
Mobile Phone (other)
9.73E+11
Organisation Type
Local/Regional Authority
Year of Establishment
2004
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Democracy and community development
  3. Environment/Sustainable development
  4. Gender
  5. Media
  6. Youth and education
General Information
The Rahat Community Centre is located in the heart of the Bedouin city of Rahat. It is the home of a variety of community activities. The centre’s staff includes a manager, 3 coordinators (Sport, Youth and Culture), janitor and a secretary. Partner organizations in the centre include – The Centre for Higher Education and the Havayeda centre for education of science. The main sources of income are : the Rahat municipality, Governmental offices and private foundations in an annual sum of $500,000 USD. The main centre’s activities involved with Youth empowerment, conferences, lectures and after school curriculum.
Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Community Centre is providing educational frameworks for the city young population in the afternoon hours.
• Raising the annual number of visitors to 2,000 people.
• Advancing new musical groups in the city.
• Developing young leadership groups in the city.
• Promoting new sport activities in the city including Judo and Karate, and football.

Main Projects / Activities

The main projects of the centre include:
• Eight groups of young leadership.
• Musical lessons: Oud (traditional Bedouin instrument) and Organ.
• Sport Groups
• Learning days and conferences
• Lectures
• Theatre shows
• Developing Public Library
• Promotion of higher education

Contact (1) Full Name
Mahmoud alamur
Head of the organisation
Mahmoud alamur
Contact (2) Full Name
Khalil zeadneh

Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS)

National Network
Israel
Address

1, KALAVRYTON STREET, ALIMOS, ATHENS, 17456
Athens
Greece

Telephone
+30-2109911214
Fax
+302109911214
E-Mail
rieas@otenet.gr
E-Mail (2)
rieasinfo@gmail.com
Mobile Phone
+306945571761
Organisation Type
Public/Private Non-Profit Foundation
Year of Establishment
2006
Fields of Activity
  1. Research
General Information
The Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS)participates in EU Projects. Our research staff consists of five researchers and we frequently organize workshops in Greece and abroad.
Mission and Objectives

MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
The objective and Mission of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS) is to promote the understanding of international affairs. Special attention is devoted to transatlantic relations, European integration, Culture-Media Dialogue,international security, and Balkan and Mediterranean studies.

Main Projects / Activities

SAFE COMMS
(EUROPEAN UNION PROJECT)
RIEAS participates in FP7 PROJECT: COUNTER-TERRORISM CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIES FOR RECOVERY AND CONTINUITY."

Contact (1) Full Name
JOHN M. NOMIKOS
Head of the organisation
PROF. JOHN M. NOMIKOS
Contact (2) Full Name
ANNA MAVRIKI

Reut Sderot Association

National Network
Israel
Address

4 Hadegel ST. POB 339
Sderot
Israel

Telephone
+972-8-6899092
Telephone (other)
+972-8-6998387
Fax
+972-8-6897410
E-Mail
odeliab@reut-sderot.org.il
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. Others
  3. Youth and education
General Information
Reut-Sderot Association sponsors and runs educational, social and leadership programs for the economically disadvantaged and undereducated sectors of Sderot. We provide opportunities for disadvantaged teens and underprivileged families to expand employable skills, gain economic independence and develop leadership skills.
Mission and Objectives

Reut-Sderot was established to aid and empower families and underprivileged populations, in particular at risk children. Our organization was selected by the Sderot Municipality welfare department to address a multiple range of social and educational lacunae, and our ultimate goal is strengthening community ties, and imparting leadership skills to youth and families of Sderot.

Main Projects / Activities

: (1) Two daycare centers for children aged 3 months to three years, and seven kindergartens for children aged three to six. These facilities emphasize the children's emotional, intellectual and physical development and offer a supervised curriculum of therapies and services by a professional and experienced staff. (2) four after-school therapeutic centers which provide comprehensive services to underprivileged children from the Sderot area in first through seventh grades, five days a week, between 1pm and 7pm, ten months a year. The centers also provide full day intersession activities for the weeks when school is closed. The staff members help children gain the social and educational tools necessary to grow and learn, while remaining comfortable and cared for in a secure environment. The staff of the centers offers homework assistance, nutritious meals and snacks, group and individual activities and sports, quiet focused individual attention in a consistently supportive venue. (3) Stricken neighborhoods: Many of Reut-Sderot young families have settled in Sderot specifically to live in underprivileged neighborhoods. These new families endeavor to introduce concepts of community involvement and civic responsibility to longtime local populations. Projects are geared towards neighborhood renewal, improved educational institutions, services to local senior citizens, and various cultural activities. Two successful examples are the "Nave Eshkol" and the "Nir Am" neighborhoods of Sderot, each of which absorbed a core group of new families who strive – together with the local community of residents -- to eradicate unemployment, violence, petty and serious crime, substance abuse, vandalism and other symptoms of economic and cultural poverty.

Contact (1) Full Name
Mrs. Odelia Ben Porat, Partnerships Manager
Head of the organisation
Mr. Yaniv Tzabari, CEO

Ron Shulamit Conservatory

National Network
Israel
Address

Ibn Danan 30
Jerusalem
Israel

Telephone
972-2-652-8531
E-Mail
ronshulamit@yahoo.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1910
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
General Information
Structure of the organization: The Conservatory operates in 2 branches in Jerusalem, one co-ed, one all girls. 2 principals, 45 staff, 7 board members, and 450 students comprise the conservatory. Budgetary resources available in a year: approx $1.3 million Sources of funding: We operate via funding from the Dept. of Education, the Ministry of Culture, the National Insurance Institute, the JDC, State Bequests, the Dept. of Welfare, the National Lottery, tuition, foundation funding and donations. Modalities of action: Our activities include classes / lessons, orchestras, ensembles, concerts, therapy, master classes from visiting musicians, production of 4 cd recordings. Students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, or of unique talent receive scholarships for their studies, or for therapy. Main partners involved in the organization's projects/activities: The local community board and Levinsky College.
Mission and Objectives

Ron-Shulamit Conservatory's motto is "music, everyone deserves it." We believe that the arts have the power to bring people of different backgrounds together in creative, positive activity. The conservatory maintains a chamber orchestra composed of religious and secular musicians, and has a music therapy program for children and young adults with special needs who are mainstreamed in activities and concerts with the students of the conservatory.
In our "Jewish Music Preservation" project, music from Jewish communities around the globe is researched, recorded and performed by our orchestras, reviving pieces and bringing these representations of various cultures to a new generation of listeners. Community concerts and free open houses are held on a regular basis, in addition to performances in nursing homes and schools, as part of the goal of enriching the cultural life of Jerusalem residents and bringing the benefits (cultural, educational, social, creative and personal) of music to all.

Main Projects / Activities

Building Bridges: There exists in Israel a large divide between the religious and non-religious, with both groups avoiding each other, or in the worst case, openly hostile towards each other. Misconceptions, stereotypes and biases abound. Our programs bring together these two groups around their shared love of music, and they learn to see their similarities instead of their differences. This aspect of pluralism and coexistece extends to the staff, board, and student body of the conservatory.
Music For All: Community concerts and free open houses, early childhood intro to music classes, explained performances in schools, music therapy and mainstreaming for children with special needs, concerts in nursing homes and areas hit by terror attacks.
Jewish Music Renaissance Project: Music from Jewish communities around the globe is researched, recorded and performed by our orchestras. Compositions are also specially written for our performance groups. We have put out 4 cd's as part of this project.
Educational Advancement and Economic Independence for Women: Ron Shulamit runs the only B.Ed. program for women from low socio-economic backgrounds whom otherwise would not get a higher education. Through the program they gain a higher education and a career, helping them break out of poverty.

Contact (1) Full Name
Shira Barzily
Head of the organisation
Arieh Chasid

Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue

National Network
Israel
Address

PO Box 53234
10 Yad harutzim
Jerusalem 9153102
Israel

Telephone
972-2-6764103
Fax
972-2-6764324
E-Mail
lisa@rossingcenter.org
Mobile Phone
972-547509654
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2004
Fields of Activity
  1. Religion
  2. Youth and education
General Information
The Rossing Center runs six core program with a focus on education for an inclusive society and peacebuilding. Each program has its own director and/or coordinator and each staff member has her/his specific responsibilities.  We have 16 staff (the equivilent of 11 full time positions). Our annual budget is about 700.000EUR.  Our main funding partners are European faith organizations and private family foundations. We actively cooperate with the Israeli Ministry of Education (and other govermental agencies) and academic and educational institutions and organizations.  You may read more about our activities in the attached annual report.
Mission and Objectives

The Rossing Center is an interreligious organization based in Jerusalem which promotes an inclusive society for all religious, ethnic and national groups. Through education, encounter, research and advocacy, we foster better relations between Jews, Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land. We believe that understanding, respect, justice and equality will enable us all to live in peace.

Main Projects / Activities

Dialogue and Identity: This school-twinning program, endorsed by the Ministry of Education, began in 2006 in cooperation with the TALI Jewish school network and the National Office of Catholic schools in Israel. In over 24 primary schools across the country, some 800 Jewish, Christian and Muslim pupils, and more than 70 teachers and principals take part in encounters designed to promote understanding, respect and intercultural tolerance, and to encourage the development of social and interpersonal skills in a multicultural society.
Educating for Change: This 30-hour in-school teacher training program gives teachers practical tools for managing and facilitating conflict-related discussions in the classroom, while providing space and time for individual and group development of the teaching staff. Principals participate in a joint Jewish-Arab forum including educational seminars and a study tour. “Educating for Change” was developed in cooperation with the Center for Civic Education in the Ministry of Education, the Jerusalem Education Administration and the Jerusalem Foundation.
Jerusalem Center for Jewish Christian Relations: JCJCR was established in 2004 to meet the challenges posed by the complex and special encounter between the Jewish majority population and the Christian Arab minority in the Holy Land. JCJCR runs a wide range of courses, conferences, seminars and lectures on the Christian communities in the Holy Land, local Jewish-Christian relations, interfaith and intercultural relations for "multipliers", such as teachers and tour guides, and key stakeholders including government officials and the Israeli army.
Healing Hatred: An innovative model for interreligious dialogue, “Healing Hatred” enables participants to understand core spiritual and moral dilemmas that lie at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Developed over the last five years by the Rossing Center, the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem and the Holy Land Trust in Bethlehem, the course equips professionals with tools and hands-on skills of spiritual counseling for the healing of trauma and fear, in order to change the discourse from victimhood to building a joint future.
Adasha – Jerusalem Center for Interreligious Encounter: ADAShA provides foreign groups which are interreligious in their composition or in their areas of interest with a serious and systematic educational experience in the Holy Land. ADAShA's’s innovative programs encourage personal discovery through firsthand experience. Site visits, text-study, lectures, meetings with local religious leaders and visits to local organizations serve as stimuli for far-ranging theological, historical and contemporary discussions amongst the participants.
Educational Tourism: Tours in Israel are an important educational tool for shaping identity and worldview. We aspire to contribute to a reality of fair tourism - especially the tourism of educational institutions - based on recognition of the human, religious and cultural diversity of the region. We therefore conduct 3-faith tours in Jerusalem and other parts of the country to teach Jewish and Arab children about the different religious groups that make up our multi-faceted society. Check out our Fair Tourism catalogue at www.fairtourism.info.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

We can serve as a source of information on peace education and interfaith topics. 

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

We recently changed our name - previously we were the Jerusalem Center for Jewish Christian Relations. With this name change, we have greatly expanded and diversified our programming and are currently seeking increased exposure of and interest in our work.  

Additional Information
Contact (1) Full Name
Lisa Richlen
Job Title
Resource Development
Head of the organisation
Dr. Sarah Bernstein

Sadaka Reut - Arab Jewish Youth Partnership

National Network
Israel
Address

35, Shivtey Israel St.
Jaffa, 61084 6108401
Israel

Telephone
+972-3-5182336
Fax
+972-3-5182336
E-Mail
info@reutsadaka.org
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1993
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. Human rights
  3. Others
  4. Youth and education
General Information
Sadaka Reut was founded in 1983 as a movement by a group of Palestinian and Jewish students, citizens of Israel who shared the vision of a better future for both people. After ten yeas of activities Sadaka Reut was registered on August 10th 1993 and is recognized as an Association (‘amuta’) by the Ministry of Interior (the Association Registrar)in Israel. Its registration number is 58-022-190-1. In its first years of activity, the organization mostly focused on creating frameworks for dialogue between the two national groups, believing that cultural and geographical segregation were the main obstacles to the creation of peace and the resolution of the inner Arab- Israeli conflict. This approach greatly suffered from the failure of the Oslo agreements and the break out of the second intifada. The years 2000-2002 were very difficult and many changes were brought to the organization, its staff, its programs and its educational approach. Today, Sadaka Reut mostly focuses on conflict transformation, critical education and leadership building among the Palestinian and Jewish youth citizens in Israel. Sectors of activity: Sadaka Reut works in the field of education and social activism among Palestinian and Jewish youth, all citizens of Israel. This is the core sector of our work. Parallel fields include conflict transformation, peace building, leadership training and community empowerment. Regions of activity: The organization is active all over the country, with a specific focus on the center (Tel Aviv agglomeration, including Bat Yam, Ramle and Lud) and the center north (Hasharon and Triangle areas - areas are situated north of Tel Aviv and south of Haifa, and they go from the sea to the West Bank such as: Jiser al zarka, Musmus, Natanya, Kalanswa, Tira, Taybe.
Mission and Objectives

Sadaka Reut works for social and political change in Israel through the promotion of of a bi-national multicultural and egalitarian society based on social justice and solidarity. we focus on youth education and community empowerment, looking to change attitudes on the long-term by challenging the existing narratives and discourses concerning the Israeli - Palestinian conflict and encouraging critical thinking and joint youth activism initiatives. In order to achieve these goals, we bring together groups of Jewish and Arab youth over extended periods of time, allowing them to overcome barriers of fears and stereotypes, while teaching them the importance of community involvement, providing them with valuable skills and, through this process, creating a viable model for Jewish Arab partnership.

Main Projects / Activities

Our 3 projects are: *Our flagship project for over twenty years, ‘Building a Culture of Peace’ brings together Palestinian and Jewish teenagers in a 2-year educational process which seeks to deal with the consequences of the Arab-Israeli conflict on the Israeli society. With the majority of Palestinian and Jewish youth citizens of Israel, being physically segregated from one another (in separate communities and schools) and fears, racism and prejudice the result, we look to build alternative models for interaction between the two groups. The ‘Building a Culture of Peace’ program seeks to create a space in which both Palestinian and Jewish youth may feel equal, respected and recognized as individuals and as national collectives. This is achieved through an educational approach based on a combination of long-term uni-national and bi-national work, delivered through weekly meetings, weekend seminars and our intensive summer program. This blend ensures that our youth go through in-depth processes enabling them to deal with the respective needs of each national community, something necessary given that the two groups are not symmetric. Moreover, it creates the grounds for a bi-national encounter capable of challenging the segregation and alienation at the base of Israel’s reality. *‘The Markaz’ project was established in 2006 as a natural development of the organization’s involvement in the Arab- Jewish mixed city of Jaffa. The alternative the ‘Markaz’ seeks to construct is one based on the creation of a bi-national framework encouraging political education and youth activism. This framework stresses the need to develop a community of young activists with a bi-national approach, out of the understanding that such frameworks are increasingly rare across Israel’s socio-political spectrum. Moreover, we believe such structures are absolutely necessary in order to bring about a joint struggle for the building of a different future. The ‘Markaz’ creates a framework for encounter and joint action of Arab and Jewish youth from the mixed cities of Jaffa, Ramle and Lud, as well as from Bat Yam and south Tel Aviv, as part of the understanding that the lives of these communities are interrelated. Youth living in these communities come from the social periphery and usually from middle and low socio-economic backgrounds. The Arab youth, in this context, suffer from the double oppression of their economic and their national background. The Jewish youth also come from excluded groups, mostly new immigrants (Russia and Ethiopia) and Sephardi Jews. Encounters between these youth rarely take place, whilst there lacks bi-national frameworks in the area that can prove successful in providing empowering outlets for these youth. * 'Community in Action' - Formerly entitled ‘Leaders for Change’, the Community in Action program seeks to create and develop a bi-national community of young activist leaders, skilled and devoted to creating social and political change in Israel-Palestine, promoting equality, social and historical justice and the respect for human and civil rights of all people. The project seeks to develop, at the grass-roots level, bi-national action groups ready and qualified for effective involvement in the political sphere, capable of challenging the injustices and the non-respect of human and civil rights that make up Israel-Palestine’s reality, while strengthening democratic values. The ‘Community in Action’ program is designed to address the acute shortage of committed and professionally trained young people acting as constructive agents for change within society in Israel. What makes these particular groups unique is that the concept of Jewish-Arab partnership lies at the very base of their outlook, something, we believe, is a necessary component for effective social change in Israel. This partnership represents our vision, and simultaneously, our approach: a belief in joint action which encompasses both sides, whilst challenging society and the structures of segregation it upholds. It is a socio-political model which identifies common interests and a common goal whilst recognizing the existence of two distinct national groups. Capitalizing on the success of the ‘Leaders for Change’ program, in which we trained groups of 6-8 high school graduates over a year-long cycle, we now work with a larger net of young adults in an altogether more far-reaching project. This broader position means we work with graduates from our various programs right up to university students, reaching numbers of up to 30-35 youth each year.

Contact (1) Full Name
Please contact through: info@reutsadaka.org
Head of the organisation
Rawan Bisharat and Alon Shachar, Co-Executive Directors

Sakhnin College for Teacher Education

National Network
Israel
Address

HaGalil St. 100
Sakhnin 30810
Israel

Telephone
+97249058000
Telephone (other)
+97249058014
Fax
+97246748218
E-Mail
sakhnin@sakhnin.ac.il
E-Mail (2)
jennifer@sakhnin.ac.il
E-Mail (3)
awad_y@netvision.net.il
Mobile Phone
+972506850030
Organisation Type
Other
Year of Establishment
1996
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. Environment/Sustainable development
  3. Gender
  4. Heritage
  5. Human rights
  6. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  7. International/Cultural relations
  8. Research
  9. Youth and education
General Information

Sakhnin College for Teacher Education is located in Sakhnin, an Arab city in the Galilee region of Israel with a student body comprised of more than 3,000 students. The college trains educators, teachers and kindergarten teachers and grants them a B.Ed. and M.Ed. degrees in Education and/or a teaching certificate. Students study within one of the following tracks and areas of specialization: Early Education; Special Education; Junior High School; Elementary Schools; Master's degree in: management and organization of education systems, educational consulting, school-based assessment and special education; Academic Preparatory Program; Professional Development Center, studies toward a diploma and advanced study; Guidance in planning, building and career development of students. The college is funded by the Ministry of Education, student tuition and fees, and project and program grants from organizations.

Having completed seven international projects since 2012, the college is expanding its internationalization efforts while also committing to the educational, social, and economic development of its community. Our partners include dozens of colleges and universities in Israel, as well as institutions of higher learning in Europe and India. A few of our international projects with the European Union are: Curriculum Reform for Promoting Civic Education and Democratic Principles in Israel and in Georgia (CURE), and Social Innovation for Local Indian and Israeli Communities and graduate Entrepreneurs (SILICE), and Developing Modernized Curricula on Immigrants' and Refugees' Lives (DEMO).

Mission and Objectives

Sakhnin College aims to fulfil a range of vital needs in the Arab society in the Galilee. As the sole Arab teacher college in the Galilee, which is home to more than half of Israel's Arabic speakers (Muslims, Christians, Druze and Bedouin), Sakhnin College educates, trains and qualifies teachers, and provides greater and more diverse opportunities for study for Arab students, especially women. Sakhnin College grants Bachelor and Master degrees in Education and/or a teaching certificate, as well as professional development education.

Main Projects / Activities

In addition to teacher education, which relates to all disciplines, Sakhnin College leads and support projects and programs that elevate its community and addresses needs. We are specifically interested in / working on the following areas:

• Virtual / distance education
• Social innovation and support activities, social involvement
• Community-based learning, educational digitalization supporting social justice
• Environment and sustainable development
• Multi-cultural Cooperation
• Internationalization
• At-risk youth

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

Sakhnin College seeks to cooperate on local and international projects that advance research, academia and faculty and student mobility, as well as activities that address society's critical challenges. We stand ready to lead and share across disciplines and geographies.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Sakhnin College prides itself on exemplifying policies and programs that further multi-cultural dialogue and cooperation. As educators of future teachers, we have an important role to play in building a strong society that is equipped with the tools and language for jointly addressing the world's most dynamic and complex challenges. Having completed several programs collaborating with universities in Europe, Asia, and across Israel, we recently launched an International Relations Unit to further our internationalization goals. We are seeking opportunities to cooperate locally and internationally.

Contact (1) Full Name
Jennifer Sheffield
Job Title
International Relations Coordinator
Head of the organisation
Prof. Mahmood Khalil
Contact (2) Full Name
Yaser Awad
Job Title (2)
Vice President of Research, Planning and Strategy