Ramallah – 29/4/2021 – MIFTAH Executive Director Dr. Tahreer Al Araj met last week with Georgina Woodhouse-Hills, the political consul at the British Consulate-General in Jerusalem, and briefed her on the latest developments pertaining to Palestinian elections and their postponement.

They spoke about MIFTAH’s work in the following fields: media monitoring of the elections, capacity –building for female candidates in the various lists, women’s representation in the next PLC, bolstering the capabilities and capacities of women to be able to win in the elections and have an impact in the PLC on gender issues in particular, in addition to being able to present and discuss laws pertaining to justice and equality.

The meeting also broached the subject of elections monitoring and the role of the PLC in discussing issues put to it. They spoke about the electoral lists MIFTAH held discussions with and the Family Protection Law, which is still pending. They noted, however, that the NGO Coalition for Combatting Violence Against Women recently began working on new campaigns to build up public opinion around the protection of women from violence.

Dr. Araj stressed that MIFTAH would continue its work on the capacity-building of women leaders to run in either the PLC or local council elections from an angle of justice and equality.

Ramallah – 28/4/2021 – As part of preparations for the upcoming PLC elections, slated for May 22, MIFTAH held a number of training workshops targeting women candidates in the various electoral lists, aimed at increasing women’s chances to win PLC seats and to raise their awareness on issues of social priority. Another objective was to create an environment of dialogue between the women from the different lists based on a foundation of democratic principles and values of justice and equality between the various societal components.

Training program

The training included two focal points. The first pertained to the system of laws and procedures that regulate the electoral process and the nature and components of the democratic political system. It also revolved around the vital importance of women’s participation in political action, in addition to shedding light on a number of priority laws and public policies to be included in electoral programs and ultimately within the tasks of the next PLC. The second focal point was based on the importance of providing the candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills for utilizing traditional and modern media tools, including digital media. The goal of this was to boost the candidates’ ability in reaching the Palestinian public and conveying the gist of their electoral campaigns, based on issues in need of policy formulation and legislation capable of responding to the needs of the public. In turn, this serves to boost candidates’ abilities in mobilizing and raising awareness on their significance as representatives of marginalized social sectors, including women and youth.

Promoting leadership roles among 90 candidates

MIFTAH targets approximately 90 candidates from electoral lists in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, through training workshops geared at building their leadership capacities in preparation for the next PLC. The aim is to bolster their abilities in defending and fighting for issues they believe are important so these issues have priority on PLC agendas, especially given the growing challenges resulting from the 15-year hiatus in the democratic process. Such issues include a reconsideration of educational, health and economic policies and the system of laws based on the values of justice and equality.

What did the candidates say?

The candidates all agreed on the importance of the training and how it provided them with the necessary and crucial skills for reaching and impacting the public through the media to ensure that their electoral messages touch on the needs of voters. One candidate said the training offered her skills she had lacked at the level of practical application, something which she feels she now has. “This includes making a strong impression and improving how I address the public and answer their questions. Still, I would like more practical training since we are so close to the actual elections,” she said.

Another candidate said the training bolstered her skills, especially in addressing the public, speaking to the media and communicating with social media networks. “The benefit is that we can invest what we learned in the future during our campaigning; in this way, our skills will continuously develop.”

This intervention is part of MIFTAH’s efforts to institutionalize and promote democratic practices through raising awareness and creating understanding around common issues among the various political components in Palestinian society, along with promoting the transparency of their electoral platforms to the public. It also seeks to follow up with and hold parliamentary blocs and committees accountable for their electoral promises once they reach the PLC.

Ramallah – MIFTAH Board of Directors Chair, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, yesterday received Swedish Consul General Jessica Olausson and Gender and Program Manager Maria Ardaji. They discussed Palestinian-Swedish relations and the latest developments in the Palestinian arena, including general elections and the possibility and consequent repercussions of their postponement.

The participants also focused on the role of the EU, calling on it to exert pressure on Israel , both in terms of holding elections in Jerusalem and on other issues pertaining to Israeli measures.

Ramallah – 27/4/2021 – MIFTAH Executive Director, Dr. Tahreer Al Araj, met on April 27, with Swedish Consul General Jessica Olausson and Gender and Program Manager Maria Ardaji at MIFTAH’s Ramallah office.

The meeting broached MIFTAH’s programs in general, and the latest developments pertaining to Palestinian elections, including the possibility of their postponement and the viewpoint of civil society on this. They also discussed the repercussions of a possible postponement in addition to MIFTAH’s interventions in the elections vis-à-vis capacity building for women candidates in the fields of media and public discourse.

Araj also showcased MIFTAH’s work on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the role of the Palestinian Women’s Coalition for the Implementation of UN Resolution 1325, including the most recent discussion on the coalition’s strategic plan. Furthermore, the meeting discussed presidential decree No. 7 regarding charitable associations and its implications for civil society, in addition to the Family Protection Law and MIFTAH’s related interventions. They spoke about the importance of having a gender committee within the PLC so that work on human rights is permanently conducted from a gender perspective and not only through seasonal campaigns.

The meeting also included a discussion between Ms. Olausson and Fatima Hammad, who received the first Folke Bernadotte Academy grant in the name of Swedish activist, Zaida Catalلn, in cooperation with the Swedish Consulate and which focuses on the WPS agenda. The two discussed the nature of her work at MIFTAH, her research on forced displacement in Jerusalem and its impact on women within the realm of Resolution 1325, including Hammad’s understanding of the resolution through being at MIFTAH and the supportive environment it offers.

Ramallah -- On April 21, MIFTAH held a session to showcase the results of a report reviewing the measures and protocols of the National Referral System and to discuss these results and the practical steps required to address the gaps uncovered by the report. The session was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Social Development, the police and several civil society institutions that work with the referral system.

The session showcased a report in which researcher Mahmoud Franji reviewed the procedural prototypes adopted in four official institutions considered main partners in the execution of the National Referral System for battered women: the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Health, the police, and the governorate. The report drew a comparison between the applied procedures and those of the system. The critical comments of each official sector were showcased and responses to each one discussed. The participants confirmed that the amendments to the procedure manuals must be updated based on the legal changes pertaining to the protection of women from violence.

The presentation also indicated that through the practical implementation of the referral system and the manuals for each sector, several gaps were evident in relation to joint coordination and cooperation. It also showed the absence of the principle of social justice in Palestinian legislative politics, which has rendered the current legislative system incomplete and fragmented. This is over and above the bureaucracy within official institutions, which constitutes one of the major obstacles to implementation. The attendees called for the implementation of the principle of accountability and raising social awareness to the crime of gender-based violence in addition to restoring the role of the governorate to the police, general prosecution and judiciary. They also pointed to the need for specific laws such as the Family Protection Law, based on a holistic vision for social protection.

Among the most significant outcomes of the session was agreement among the participants on the need to update the National Referral System, especially in light of the social changes and legal developments that arose since the inception of the system in 2013. MIFTAH will assume the follow-up and accountability of all parties responsible for executing the system in a way that protects all women victims of gender-based violence in Palestinian society.

The session is part of the “Towards Enhancing Palestinian Women and Youth Protection and Participation” project, which MIFTAH implements with GIZ-support. Through this project, MIFTAH seeks to promote the protection of battered women and ensure their access to the pillars of protection and justice in Palestinian society, in addition to impacting relevant policies and laws to lower the level of violence. This could be achieved through implementing the National Referral System and unifying measures pertaining to the system’s integration in a way that supports the access of services to women and girls subjected to GBV in Palestinian society.

Head of MIFTAH’s Board of Directors, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi held a meeting on April 22 with a group of women candidates and spokeswomen for electoral lists, which addressed the requirements and means of impact and persuasion in public discourse and communication within the context of election campaigns. The goal of the meeting was to ensure quality participation for these candidates and to reaffirm their role in presenting and conveying the platforms of their lists to the public, which will reflect on the nature of women’s participation in the PLC in particular, and the Palestinian political system in general.

The participants discussed the form and content of public discourse when addressing and influencing the public. This includes ways to communicate and interact with the people and navigate through their differences from their respective political standpoints. The candidates were very interactive during the meeting, which included a mix of politically-experienced women and the new generation.

This is the first of other meetings to be held with women candidates, particularly from the Gaza Strip.

Ramallah – 20/4/2021 – As part of its efforts to set priorities for civil society action within the WPS agenda in Palestine, and in coordination with the Palestinian Women’s Coalition for UN Resolution 1325, MIFTAH held a session highlighting priority advocacy approaches for the Coalition’s strategic actions. The meeting was attended by a number of international organizations and representatives who discussed crucial focal points regarding developments within the local and international political context, which reflect the needs of Palestinian women under Israeli occupation and the challenges of exclusion within the Palestinian political system.

In her keynote speech, Head of the General Union of Palestinian Women, Intisar Al-Wazir, maintained that the women’s movement is working to link the vision of the Women’s Coalition and its plans for Resolution 1325 with international resolutions on the Palestinian cause – first and foremost UN Resolution 194 and UNSCR 242 and 338 – and CEDAW’s General Recommendation No. 30 regarding women under a foreign occupation. Wazir pointed to the efforts of the women’s movement and civil society institutions within the Coalition in following up on the mobilization of international solidarity with Palestinian women under occupation through expanding networks and building alliances.

MIFTAH Executive Director, Dr. Tahreer Araj, said the meeting confirmed the need for coordinated international efforts to support the implementation of the WPS agenda in accordance with the priorities of Palestinian women. These were included in the second generation of the strategic lobbying and advocacy plan, which aim to achieve justice and equality for Palestinian women to live in freedom and dignity and to end the occupation.

The meeting included several interventions by PWC member institutions from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. A brief diagnosis of the overall situation of Palestinian women was presented by Director of the Women’s Affairs Team, Nadia Abu Nahla, such as social and legislative challenges, violence, the internal Palestinian division and violations of women’s rights by the Israeli occupation. These include demolitions, siege, forced displacement, settlement expansion and land confiscation.

International advocacy

The Coalition addressed the issue of international advocacy and accountability within the WPS agenda, confirming that Israeli violations negatively impact the lives of Palestinian women who endure Israeli colonialist occupation and a patriarchal society, which complement each other. This requires interventions and a clear and internationally-endorsed strategy that focuses on confronting the culture of Israeli impunity and amplifies the voices of Palestinian women from economic, social, political and security aspects, in addition to utilizing international tools within the UN to promote accountability and justice. This intervention was presented by Randa Siniora, Director-General of the Women’s Center for Legal Aid and Counseling (WCLAC).

Elections and women

PWC considers the elections to be a crucial file that requires a real reading into women’s participation in the PLC elections, which so far has not been favorable in terms of women’s ability to negotiate their presence and ranking in the lists. This is especially true since the choice of women candidates was made by male leaders and within a conventional and ideological context. Furthermore, the legal amendment on the percentage of women’s participation did not meet their aspirations and was limited to women’s ranking in the lists and did not guarantee or protect their representation in the final outcome. Additionally, the next PLC will be conflicted over the identity of laws and legislations such as the Family Protection Law and the Social Security Law and will require a reassessment of international agreements in accordance with the Basic Law. Hence, PWC is insisting on holding elections and pressuring Israel to allow Jerusalemites to vote and to send international monitoring missions. These points were presented by the Coalition’s coordinator, Rima Nazzal.

Shrinking civic space in Palestine

The meeting broached an important issue, which was the shrinking space for community action in Palestine given the lack of an encompassing democratic environment due to the absence of the PLC and the lack of separation between authorities. Other reasons include the hindrances that emerged for civil society after the issuance of presidential decrees, one of which was issued while civil society was preoccupied with the electoral process. The meeting also pointed to the need for international support, for confronting the occupation and its measures, helping civil society and the PA in investigating Israeli war crimes, pressing for elections in Jerusalem and also pressuring the PA to cancel decisions that restrict the work of civil society institutions. These talking points were presented by Amal Khreisheh, head of the Palestinian Working Women Society for Development.

International mechanisms that support the WPS agenda in Palestine

Human rights expert Mervat Rishmawi then addressed the international mechanisms that support the WPS agenda in Palestine and how these mechanisms can be used to serve the agenda. These include the International Criminal Court (ICC), international treaties such as CEDAW , the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination along with carrying out other measures in the Security Council. This is in addition to: holding meetings pertaining to women peace and security, holding official and unofficial meetings on Palestine at the Security Council; and integrating WPS concerns into the work of the Security Council and regional and international organizations. Rishmawi reiterated that the main and real threat to Palestinians is the occupation, which therefore necessitates countries to shoulder their responsibilities vis-à-vis supporting the Women’s Coalition for Implementing Resolution 1325, politically and financially.

Interventions by diplomatic representatives in Palestine

Norway

Ms. Ingrid Norstein, head of cooperation at the Norwegian Representative Office, stressed on the importance of formulating an action plan linked to the rights of Palestinian women to live in peace and security. She said they have a clear goal, which is to reach a sustainable two-state solution and that as a Security Council member, Norway believes it is important to promote action on the issues of protection and defense of women’s rights, to support the efforts of Palestinian women in peace and security and promote accountability of the occupation, as a major obstacle for Palestinian women.

Switzerland

Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Representative Office, Laetitia Kirianoff also reaffirmed her country’s support for PWC’s strategic lobbying and advocacy plan, its support for the protection of the rule of law and accountability, for vulnerable communities and for establishing platforms that endorse the work of civil society institutions. She also called for respect for public freedoms and for holding fair elections while also acknowledging the obstacles Israel is placing before them.

Recommendations

The session closed with a number of recommendations presented by Sama Aweidah, Director General of the Women’s Studies Center, including: the importance of joint action between Palestinian women and countries focused on human rights; the formation of a committee of PWC members and country representatives in Palestine; providing periodic reports on violations in Palestine; encouraging international support, especially from the EU, for the presence of Palestinian women in international forums to push for Israel’s accountability; coordination of support for international institutions in a way that serves the priorities of the Women’s Coalition within the WPS agenda, especially regarding international advocacy; pressing for guaranteeing that women’s organizations are allowed to work freely and without restrictions by demanding the cancellation of amendments to the Palestinian Charitable Associations and Civil Society Organizations Law.

MIFTAH held this meeting, with support from the Norwegian Representative Office, to highlight pressing issues in need of action through coordinating cooperation between Palestinian civil society and international parties working with the WPS agenda in Palestine.

Ramallah – On April 17, MIFTAH held its second session within a series of meetings on the values of democracy and equality within electoral lists. The interventions from representatives of electoral lists focused on justice, equality, legislation and public policies. They also reaffirmed the role of women and their equal standing with men in decision-making positions, the need to promote and solidify democratic values in public life and to guarantee real youth representation in electoral lists and decision-making positions.

On legislation, the interventions reaffirmed the need for regular adherence to the democratic process and for respecting their results. They also called for promoting the role of the legislative authority, based on the Palestinian Basic Law and adopting the principle of social justice in passing laws. In spite of the discrepancies in viewpoints, the electoral list representatives stressed on the importance of ratifying the Family Protection Law and passing new, contemporary legislation based on justice and equality and the separation of powers in addition to reconsidering some of the laws by decree.

In regards to public policies, the interventions called for better utilization of natural resources, empowering youth and women, allocating sufficient financial funds to the fields of health and education and to building a resistant austerity economy, which plays a role in strengthening steadfastness.

In response to the interventions, particularly in regards to the review of laws by decree, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, head of MIFTAH’s Board of Directors, maintained that these laws by decree were issued out of extreme necessity, dictated by the absence of the PLC. This, she said, called for a perceptive review of these laws rather than their cancellation, which could have repercussions.

Meanwhile, MIFTAH Executive Director, Dr. Tahreer Araj, called on the representatives not to distance themselves from the framework of the Family Protection Law, but to give it ample attention, saying this law was equally as important as others.

This session is part of MIFTAH’s interventions on issues pertaining to the PLC elections slated for May 22, and within the context of its strategic goal to promote democratic dialogue and good governance in Palestine. The interventions are also aimed at creating a supportive environment for the participation of women and youth, which protect the rights of citizenship, freedoms and the values of democracy. Moreover, they highlight the visions and platforms of electoral lists regarding the promotion of women’s and youth’s political participation and amplify women’s issues from a civil rights-perspective as a priority for the next PLC.

Ramallah – On April 12, MIFTAH held a hearing session on the lack of access to protective services for battered women and women at risk in seam zones and marginalized areas and those exposed to violence attacks by Israeli occupation forces in the northern West Bank, namely in the Tubas, Jenin, Tulkarm and Qalqilia districts. MIFTAH hosted Deputy Minister for Social Development, Daoud Al Deek in the session, which was attended by several member institutions from the NGO forum for combatting VAW (violence against women).

The session provided data that pointed to these shortcomings regarding women’s access to protective services, especially those caught in a general cycle of violence due to Israeli measures and control over areas of the West Bank where Palestinian access is restricted, in addition to the increase in poverty among women, especially in marginalized areas and Area C particularly seam zones. This is compounded by the low percentage of women’s participation in the labor force, particularly in these areas, not to mention the social impediments due to stereotypes of women, the predominant patriarchal social system and the absence of laws and legislation that protect women. A number of procedures, regulations and plans formulated by the government were showcased in the session, which also pointed to the fact that there is still a funding gap between plans, financial ceilings and budgets allocated for plans and programs in relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Social Development. This is over and above the loss of foreign funding and assistance due to regional and international political developments.

On his part, Deek confirmed that his ministry’s priority response for battered women is carried out according to geographic considerations and based on the actual cases of violence. He said most of these cases are in the Hebron district, which means the ministry directs the bulk of its services to these areas. “In regards to violence, the ministry adopts a holistic policy approach within the multi-dimensional context of poverty including deprivation, fragility, participation, exclusion, education, social upbringing and access to services. Meanwhile, the ministry develops and trains its field workers to collect as much possible information and indicators on poor families and cases of violence.”

Regarding the 2013 National Referral System (Takamul), which falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Deek said: “This system needs revamping in line with the developments, increased needs and the expanding circle of violence in Palestine. The same applies to the protection center system of 2011, he said, which falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Development. “It is also in need of review and development to be more in line with the social reality.”

Furthermore, Deek reiterated the Ministry of Social Development’s demand for the publication of CEDAW in the official gazette, adding that the ministry was also pushing for the ratification of the Family Protection Law.

He maintained that the Ministry’s budget does not comprise more than 4.9% of the general budget and 1.5% of the GNP, which points to the limitations on the ministry in providing services to its beneficiaries from all social sectors.

Recommendations

The session produced a number of recommendations, including: demanding the ratification of the Family Protection Law; making the necessary reforms to the legal system, procedures and policies on the protection of women from violence; raising social awareness on issues linked to gender-based violence and awareness on protective services in various areas, including marginalized regions and Area C; initiating a dialogue on the revamping of the National Referral System (Takamul) that would allow women access to protective services; reviewing relevant procedures and protocols to include the various institutions, especially those in marginalized areas and Area C, and measuring their efficacy in the different districts; putting pressure on the Ministry of Finance to increase the financial ceiling of the Ministry of Social Development based on its plans and the policy agenda, which reflect the needs of social sectors and beneficiaries. This includes increasing allocations for the budgets of protective services and integration programs along with economic empowerment programs that target battered women in the four districts, which will contribute to and support women’s access to protective and safety services.

The participants also reaffirmed the need to coordinate efforts and exchange information and roles between official and international parties and institutions, as this is reflected in the funding coordination of international institutions working in the protection sector. They said this could be achieved through the distribution of resources in a manner commensurate with the needs in various districts.

This session is part of MIFTAH’s efforts to open dialogue on issues pertaining to government policies on the challenges of access for battered women to protective services including those caught in the cycle of violence. This is based on findings from MIFTAH’s mapping study on protective services for women in the northern districts of the West Bank, namely Tubas, Jenin, Tulkarm and Qalqilya. The sessions are held in partnership with the Women’s Center for Legal Aid and Counseling (WCLAC) within its EU-funded project, “Together for the protection and promotion of Palestinian women’s rights.”

Ramallah – 7/4/2021 – MIFTAH held a special session last week in which it highlighted facts and figures on Israel’s policies vis-à-vis the Israelization of the education sector in Jerusalem and violations against education in Hebron’s old city. The information was collected by youth defenders in Jerusalem and Hebron as part of MIFTAH’s “Palestinian Youth as Human Rights Defenders” project, which it implements with EU support in Jerusalem, Hebron and the Gaza Strip.

MIFTAH Executive Director, Tahreer Araj opened the session by stressing on the importance of the project within the Palestinian context, maintaining it was a crucial tool for monitoring and documenting Israeli violations, which could help contribute to promoting the efforts of civil society and rights organizations in exposing Israeli violations and crimes against the Palestinian people in international arenas. “For MIFTAH, this project is important in that it contributes to creating a community of Palestinian youth that is aware of its needs and has the ability to convey the Palestinian narrative to the world.”

One: Education in the old city of Hebron

The first presentation was given by Isra’ Saadah and Manar Shaheen from the Hebron human rights defenders group, which showcased the difficulties and challenges facing the education sector in the old city, in Area C and H2. They spoke about students being harassed, searched and detained at checkpoints; teargas and stun grenades fired into schoolyards; how students are chased down and arrested, injured and sometimes even struck with army or settler cars; and how materials and equipment are denied entry into these areas to renovate schools.

Most of the presentation focused on data pertaining to the number of schools and students in these areas, where 44 schools serve a community of over 7,800 students. Ministry of Health data confirmed 218 violations against students and workers in these schools in which students were subjected to 5,960 instances of bodily harm and 18,391 instances of psychological harm. In 2020, the number of violations fell to 53, during which students were subjected to 263 instances of bodily harm and 3,623 instances of psychological harm. It should be noted that this drop in violations was largely due to schools being closed for several months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The policy paper on education in and around the old city proposed alternatives and options to relevant Palestinian and international parties, including: the formation of an international protection committee for school students as a deterrent to Israeli measures; providing mental healthcare and entertainment programs for students, especially in old city schools; providing courses for teachers on how to deal with students who have been subjected to Israeli violations, in coordination between the Ministry of Education and international and civil society institutions.

Two: The right to education in Jerusalem: the Israelization of Palestinian curriculum

Human rights defender from Jerusalem, Hadeel Radayda then presented on Israeli violations impeding the education process for Jerusalemite students, including: house arrests, checkpoints and the separation wall in addition to the Israelization of the Palestinian curriculum. The policy paper discussed the parties that oversee education in Jerusalem and the private schools affiliated with associations (churches, mosques, charitable societies), which also offer the Palestinian curriculum. Some, however, are under pressure by Israel because they receive monthly allocations from the Israeli Ministry of Education. There also Israeli municipality-run schools and Israeli government-contracted schools where the Israeli curriculum and altered Palestinian schoolbooks are offered. Finally, there are the UNRWA-run schools, which use the Palestinian curriculum as well.

The paper pointed out that the percentage of public, Israeli municipality-run schools that teach either altered Palestinian curriculum or the Israeli curriculum (Bagrut) totaled 50% of all schools, with over 40,000 enrolled students. Israeli authorities also restructured 12 schools so they would fully teach the Bagrut system from a total of 50 schools where this system is either fully or partially taught.

The paper also showcased Israeli methods of “Israelizing” the Palestinian curriculum including deleting anything related to Palestinian nationalism and replacing this with material that corresponds with Israeli plans such as changing the names of Palestinian cities, criminalizing the Arabic language and national heritage and removing verses from poems and from the Quran that speak about jihad and martyrs.

The second method used by Israeli authorities is by allocating over ILS20 million to the development of educational facilities and infrastructure in East Jerusalem, on condition that these schools teach the Israeli curriculum. It should be noted that in 2018, the Israeli government allocated ILS2 billion to the Israelization of East Jerusalem, including ILS445 million to the education sector for the next five years, as part of a plan aimed at increasing the teaching of the Israeli curriculum to 90% in Jerusalemite classrooms in the same time period. It also included offering incentives to Jerusalemite students and facilitating their acceptance into Israeli universities. This coincided with Israeli authorities closing the Palestinian education directorate in Jerusalem and limiting infrastructure work in Palestinian schools in the city, while at the same time, opening new, municipality-run schools. The condition, however, remained that for any new school to obtain a permit it had to adopt the Israeli Bagrut curriculum. They also blackmailed private schools with budgets as a means of pressure.

The paper proposed a number of solutions and recommendations to push back against Israel’s continuous targeting of education by supporting vocational education and allocating a budget for its development and expansion. Recommendations included: offering full university scholarships to Tawjihi students in Jerusalem; using Palestinian schools as community centers to support Palestinian youth and educate them through extracurricular activities; and allocating budgets to support private Palestinian schools in Jerusalem to be able to withstand Israeli policies and not bow to their financial extortion; initiating a dialogue at the national level and considering Hebrew-language studies as part of the Palestinian curriculum in Jerusalem in order to close the loophole Israel’s municipality uses to peddle the Bagrut system under the pretext that it opens up more job opportunities to students than the Palestinian “Tawjihi” system.

Interventions and recommendations

The presentations included interventions and recommendations by the participants as well, who noted that since 1967, Israeli occupation authorities have tried to impose the Israeli education system on Jerusalem schools but failed in the face of Jerusalemites’ collective refusal and solidarity against this. Today, however, they are taking gradual but accelerated steps within a calculated and long-term policy to Israelize all sectors of Jerusalem, first and foremost the education sector. The battle over education is also a battle of sovereignty and identity and is the most important pillar for preserving national identity in Jerusalem.

In their interventions, the participants confirmed that the topic of education in Jerusalem was an existential issue, which requires special attention from the state and the Ministry of Education. They said special budgets must be allocated and programs and projects set up that support the steadfastness of schools in Jerusalem so that allocations for private schools come from the PA and not the Israeli municipality. Other points made by participants included: the importance of raising Palestinian teachers’ salaries in Jerusalem to be more compatible with the standard of living and therefore allow for the preservation and development of this sector; calling for popular action to push back against the Israeli curriculum and the Bagrut exam being imposed on schools; urging PLC candidates to hold protests in front of schools that adopted the Israeli curriculum to press them to renege on their decision; combatting the raids and searches of schools and the summoning of their principals for questioning, which has become a common practice for Israeli authorities in the city.

In order to combat the policy of Judaizing education, the presenters: proposed reviving the role of the Palestinian media in Jerusalem in a way that appeals to the collective Palestinian sense of national affiliation; called for creating new schools within private institutions licensed to teach the Palestinian curriculum; called on Palestinian universities to facilitate enrollment for Jerusalemite students; urged national figures in Jerusalem to urge private schools tempted to adopt the Israeli curriculum to backtrack on this decision.

The presentations also confirmed the important role of parents’ committees in Jerusalem schools within the context of an executive plan that focuses on developing the educational sector from all aspects. In addition, they called for: reviving student councils in these schools and unifying efforts of civil society institutions that work against Israelization and Judiazation; pooling together local financial resources within a national plan to support education; securing a legal body that defends the rights of Jerusalemites to education and health.

They also pointed to the important role of awareness, lobbying and advocacy campaigns at the local and international level; to partnership between official, civil and international parties to preserve the Palestinian national curriculum in Jerusalem; and to shed light on these issues in international forums, particularly the UN Human Rights Council.

The participants commended the pushback by the majority of Palestinian schools in Jerusalem against Israel’s policy of intimidation and threats, pointing out that many private schools smuggled in Palestinian schoolbooks for their students so they could have access to the original content without Israeli distortions, also calling for the creation of popular action committees to guarantee the continuation of Palestinian education in Jerusalem. They cited past experiences in the Palestinian struggle when any school that submits to Israeli policies is ostracized at the official and popular level.

Regarding the educational sector in and around the old city of Hebron, the interventions proposed the prioritization of a tabulation and classification process of students in old city schools and documentation of Israeli army and settler violations against students and teachers. They also recommended interventions with staff to address daily problems and formulate creative solutions to the challenges facing the education sector; the provision of psychological support for families in these areas; and direct communication between the Hebron governorate and education directorate and the various institutions and parties in order to coordinate efforts between them.