The Mossawa Center concluded last week its "Summer Rights Workshops for Youth" for 2026, following four days of intensive training, field visits, and professional meetings. The program brought together more than 60 participants aged 15–17 from the Negev, the Galilee, and the Triangle, alongside counselors who are graduates of previous editions of the program.

The workshops were designed to equip young participants with leadership skills, knowledge of human rights, media and advocacy tools, and community organizing experience, while encouraging civic engagement and social initiative.

The program opened in Haifa with a visit to the courts, followed by professional workshops on identity, community project development, artificial intelligence, and an introduction to the Mossawa Center's various departments and activities. Participants later visited the Canadian Embassy in Tel Aviv, where they met with Canada's Ambassador to Israel, Leslie Scanlon, for a discussion on diplomacy, international relations, youth engagement, and Canada's positions on several political issues, including the Palestinian issue.

The program also included a field tour in Jaffa, a visit to the Matkhana Gallery, and a visit to the Haifa Municipality, where participants met Deputy Mayor Fakher Bayadsi to learn about the role of local authorities and public service.

Participants took part in practical media training sessions, including podcast production, digital content creation, and a public speaking workshop. They also developed community initiatives based on the needs of their hometowns, most notably the project "A Story in Every Town," which aims to document the history of Arab localities and preserve their local narratives through youth-led community projects.

On the final day, the workshops focused on financial literacy and life skills through a financial management session followed by a training program at Mercantile Bank, covering personal banking, financial planning, saving strategies, and the risks associated with loans and poor financial decisions.

The program concluded with presentations of the community projects developed by the participants, followed by a certificate ceremony recognizing their commitment and active participation throughout the workshops.

Julia Battah, Community Organizing Coordinator at the Mossawa Center, said the program was designed to provide participants with practical experience that combines knowledge with hands-on fieldwork while encouraging them to transform ideas into initiatives that address the needs of their communities. She noted that the interaction between participants from different regions was one of the program's greatest strengths.

Mossawa Center Executive Director Suha Salman Mousa said the organization remains committed to investing in a new generation of young people equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate in public life. She emphasized that empowering youth through leadership, advocacy, and community engagement is a central part of the Center's mission.

Mossawa Center Director Jafar Farah said the workshops once again demonstrated the tremendous potential of Arab youth when given meaningful opportunities. He added that participants completed the program not only with new knowledge and practical skills but also with new networks, collaborative ideas, and greater confidence in their ability to create positive change in their communities.