1. April 2003 Issue 2
The Galilee Society- The Arab National Society for Health Research and Services is a leading, community-based,
professional Arab NGO. The overriding goal of the Galilee Society is to achieve equitable health and socio-economic
conditions, and increase development opportunities for Palestinian Arabs in Israel, as individual citizens and as a
national minority through research, advocacy, demonstration, capacity building and awareness raising.
War on Iraq: Emergency Hotline
As a result of the war on Iraq, and the continuing worsening situation in the West Bank and Gaza, the
Galilee Society, in cooperation with The High Follow-Up Committee for the Arab Citizens in Israel,
Ittijah, AL Manal, The Arab Psychologists Association, and hospitals in Nazareth established a hotline
(1-700-501-201) where professionals assist Palestinians who need emergency medical and/or
psychological assistance. Official Israeli hotlines do not provide such assistance in Arabic. Hospitals
in the Arab city of Nazareth do not receive the subsidies from the Ministry of Health for equipment
and preparations to treat cases of chemical or biological contaminations.
Other assistance measures are in place and hotlines established in coordination with Palestinian NGOs in the
Occupied Territories (OT) and Israel to assist Palestinians living on both sides of the Green Line in issues concerning
access to media, health, provisions, human rights, prisoners, and international coordination.
In preparatory meetings, these organizations, along with other political and non-governmental representatives, urged
the relief committees to resume their activities in support of Palestinians in the OT. They also warned of intensified
Israeli military attacks and increased repressive measures in the OT, while using the media to justify this escalation by
giving the false impression that Israeli society is threatened.
Interview: Hana Hamdan, Director of the Rikaz Databank speaks about the latest
developments in the Galilee Society's online Databank
Q What is the Rikaz databank?
Rikaz is an online databank which provides up-to-date, accurate socio-economic data about the Palestinian minority in
Israel. Data is available in the fields of demography, education, employment, labor force, living standards, social
indicators and health.
Q What are the sources of this data?
Data in Rikaz is based on official statistics published by the government. New data is added and updated continuously.
We will purchase data from official institutions and new sources and conduct surveys that will enable Rikaz to release
new information about the Palestinian Arabs in Israel. New data about employment and unemployment rates and new
statistics about education have recently been added.
Q Is data accessible for all?
Rikaz offers free admission to many sections of the databank, while full access needs a subscription. Users can
explore Rikaz and get free information such as statistics about Arab women in the labor force or Arab and Jewish
recipients of academic degrees, and view graphic demonstrations that show how to optimize the available data.
Rikaz's publications are also free of charge.
Q How do I subscribe?
Information about subscription fees is available in Rikaz's website. There are different fees for institutions and
individuals. It is very important for us to receive feedback from our subscribers and potential users, hence, contact
information, a user forum and a survey can be found on our website. It is also vital for us to update those interested
with our news and additions, so if you are interested please visit our website at www.rikaz.org or contact us at
rikaz@gal-soc.org.
The Rikaz Databank has been made possible with a generous grant from the Ford Foundation. We have just received
approval of a new grant of US$ 300,000 for two years 2003 – 2005. 2003.
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2. On International Women's Day: "The invisibility of women"
By Dr. Cameel Makhoul and Maria Vila
In a forgotten neighborhood in an Arab village in the each year, and about 7% are exposed to ongoing
Galilee, nearly 300 young women between the ages of abuse.
13 - 24 have dropped-out from school and stay at
home to take care of the household. While at home, The available data, based on police and hospital
these women are subject to continuous domestic reports, are a considerable underestimate of the true
physical and sexual abuse, as well as suffer from self extent of this phenomenon, since many women may
neglect and obesity. The little information about this be reluctant or afraid to report domestic and other
violence is reported to social workers or psychologists violence.
through friends of the victims only after they try to Male violence against women is an international
commit suicide. The solicitation of specialists at this phenomenon with no differentiation between country,
late stage hinders taking preventive measures. The religion, and race or socio-economic background. In
GS believes that civil society's organizations in Russia, every 40 minutes a woman is killed; in China
cooperation with official institutions should work there are 15,000 sexual slaves; in the USA every 6
together on programs that encourage women to minutes a woman is raped; and in Bangladesh men
overcome cultural obstacles and ask for psychological use cans of Sulphuric Acid costing one Euro against
assistance before it is too late. women for many reasons such as land property,
It is estimated that in Israel, approximately 60 to 120 forcing women to hide their disfigured faces under the
women are sexually assaulted each day. Between veil.
1990 and 1998, 196 women were murdered (151 Jews Recommended reading: Xinran Xue, The Good
and 45 Arabs). Nearly 10% of married women in Israel Women of China: Hidden Voices, 2002
(Jews and Arabs) are subject to domestic violence
Projects: Al-Maissam, The Center for Research & Study of Medicinal Plants – Kafr Kanna
Edited from material prepared by Taher Karaman, Business Development Manager
Realizing the need to preserve and revitalize Arab In its first year, the center has already promoted
indigenous folk medicine, The Galilee Society excellence. Two of its instructors, 19-year-old Inas
Regional R&D Center established the first botanical Abu-Sweid and Dua'a Zreiqat participated in the
garden and plant resource center for "Young Scientists" annual competition
traditional medicinal plants in the Middle organized by The Bloomfield Museum for
East and is developing it into a community- Sciences in Jerusalem. Inas placed 4th
oriented center to meet local needs. nationwide.
The facility contains a laboratory, a lecture Recently, three classrooms were added in
hall and a Botanical Garden growing a Al-Maissam as well as administration
collection of the region’s indigenous plants offices, algae & fish pools, an aviary for
and herbs. The facility has been a major local domestic and wild birds, and an apiary
attraction for Arab school students in the Galilee. for beehives. All these additions support the increased
Since the beginning of the year, about 1000 students educational activities in the fields of botanic and
have visited the Center. About 350 follow the "young indigenous plants, marine life (algae and fish),
researchers'" special program where they participate beekeeping and honey benefits, insects as beneficial
in a series of science classes and conduct their own organic pest fighters, recycling methods,
scientific research using the Center's facilities. environmental conservation, and the study of
interfaces among all living things.
Environment: Litigation for Protecting the Environment
By Raida Dada Kirawani, Advocate, Environment Department
In many countries where minorities are discriminated against, environmental rights are also disrespected. Often,
polluting industrial zones, stone quarries, sewage, and toxic waste are located in proximity to weak groups such as
poor suburbs or minorities' localities.
As a result of the state's systematic discriminatory policies, Arabs in Israel live in substandard, health threatening
environmental conditions. This includes a high concentration of existing and planned stone quarries in proximity to
Arab towns, and the absence of sewage networks, etc.
Moreover, complaints to official institutions are often ignored and disregarded. When a response is received, the
answer is always that the issue is being studied. From previous GS experience, we found that litigation is an efficient
way to create pressure and protect the environment.
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3. Since 1995, the GS has handled over 60 cases. At present, the GS is preparing on behalf of the residents of the village
of Rama a case against the National Water Company – Mekorot. The water company, on two occasions, completely
shut off water supply to all citizens and businesses in the village in order to obtain the water fees collected by the local
council from the community. The GS argues that by doing so Mekorot is breaking the law according to which it is illegal
to cut off the water supply as a means of obtaining payment, and GS will demand that the company refrain from
fulfilling the threats of doing so in the future.
Inequality also characterizes the enforcement of court orders. For example, when the residents of the Jewish town of
Abirim were the plaintiffs, the Fasouta Stone Quarry was closed within two months from the beginning of legal
proceedings, whereas in the case of the Alon-Sajour Stone Quarry where complaints were mainly from Arab residents,
the quarry is still operating 9 years after the court order.
Tawasol
Tawasol is an Arabic word that means the continuity of connection between people. Throughout its 20 years of work
The Galilee Society has welcomed and worked with volunteers from all over the world. The GS believes that these
relationships overcome borders and enrich the community, both culturally and professionally.
Rita McGaughey, from the USA, volunteered for many years in the GS and contributed a lot to the GS's international
activity, especially in organizing the 1991 International Conference on Minorities' Health in Developed Countries. Rita
was honored at the GS Health Conference held in December 2002, and has sent us a letter of thanks in which she
states: "I am very touched by the recognition given to my volunteer service […]. The beautiful plaque will be hung in a
prominent place in my house as a reminder of that unique opportunity to share your Arab culture as well as the
Society's goals. […] It is encouraging to know that the Society's goals continue to focus on health conditions of Arabs
in Israel. The well-being of all people is an important component in seeking world peace. I congratulate all of you for
furthering these goals".
Two new volunteers have joined the GS
Maria Vila Rebolo, from Spain. Maria is a graduate in Human Rights and has worked with many Spanish solidarity
and development associations. She has also worked in the Palestinian Cultural Center for Children in Al Fawwar
Refugee Camp - Hebron through the European Volunteer Service and since 2002 has been volunteering with
Palestinian NGOs in Israel. Maria assists the GS's Projects Development and the International Relations Departments
in many of their activities.
Habeeb Karayanni, Habeeb is Palestinian from the Galilee; he is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from
Germany and has extensive international experience in environmental technologies from Germany, Greece, as well as
with Palestinian organizations in the PNA and Israel. Habeeb is volunteering at the GS Regional R&D Center.
Forthcoming events
April 2-12 Participation of Dr. Basel Ghattas, the GS General Director, in the seminar on Rural Development in Arid
Areas in the Mediterranean that will take place in Valencia organized by the Spanish research institute
CERAI. Dr. Ghattas will also hold a series of meetings with Spanish NGOs in Madrid.
April Meeting with the GS partners, ICCO and Christian Aid (To be confirmed).
May 15 Commemoration of Al Nakba day.
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