Al-Ahali Center for Community Development

AL-AHALI: MERKAZ LEPITUAH KEHILATI

GOALS
To promote the involvement of Arab citizens in public life and democratic processes to achieve full equality and civic solidarity.

BACKGROUND
AL-AHALI was established by activists in the Israeli Palestinian sector to increase national-cultural and civic awareness. The organization uses community organizing as a tool to promote Palestinian Israeli society, focusing mainly on the issue of farming. AL –AHALI'S first project was The Organization of Arab Farmers in Israel. Arab farmers are the most financially stricken farming sectors in Israel; the size of their farms averages less then one-half the size of a farm on a Jewish moshav. They are allocated only 2.5% of water for irrigation although they own about 17% of agricultural land, and they are not included in the quotas for dairy, poultry and eggs – quotas that ensure a stable income. The Farmers' Organization was set up to ensure representation for Palestinian farmers in Israel, to enable them to advocate for their civil and professional rights and to improve their financial, social and civic situation.

STRATEGIES
Community organizing; supporting grassroots groups with common interests to influence decision makers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Intensive work with the Farmers' Organization to increase membership – now about 1,300 members.
• Assisting the Farmers' Organization elect a 45-member council and a 9-member board.
• Organizing the first conference of Arab farmers.
• Empowerment of village women – training them and encouraging their involvement in farm management. 180 women participated in the activities.
• Starting women's businesses, such as beekeeping in Tamra and cosmetics in Illabun