Mossawa Center organized a field visit to Jisr az-Zarqa as part of its Arab Women Leaders Network (Reyadiyat), bringing together women activists and local council members from various Arab communities to examine the village's socioeconomic and planning challenges, explore development opportunities, and strengthen women's participation in local decision-making.

The visit began with a meeting at the local council, opened by attorney Lama Nashashibi-Khoury, Coordinator of the Arab Women Leaders Network, with the participation of Council Head Sheikh Murad Amash, Resource Mobilization Coordinator Jamil Amash, Advisor for the Advancement of Women Hidaya Jarban, and community activists Kifaya Amash and Sahira Jarban.

Council Head Murad Amash highlighted the significant socioeconomic disparities between Jisr az-Zarqa and its neighboring communities, Caesarea and Kibbutz Ma'agan Michael. He outlined the village's limited land resources, high population density, inadequate infrastructure, and employment challenges, despite its considerable coastal and tourism potential.

Amash also reviewed the planning restrictions that have shaped the village's development, including the construction of Highway 2 in 1964, the separation barrier with Caesarea in 2000, and delays in approving the village's master plan, initiated in 2007 and approved only in 2018. According to the figures presented, the village covers approximately 1,572 dunams.

Mossawa Center Director Jafar Farah discussed the Center's longstanding cooperation with Jisr az-Zarqa, including legal and public advocacy concerning land, housing, planning, and the rights of local fishermen. He highlighted Mossawa's interventions against demolition orders in the fishing village and its support for local athlete and maritime entrepreneur Hamama Jarban, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between local authorities, civil society, and community initiatives.

The meeting included discussions on equitable resource allocation, municipal budgeting, local economic development, and the importance of women's participation in planning and decision-making. Jamil Amash addressed the effective utilization of municipal resources, while Hidaya Jarban highlighted cooperation between the council and women activists. Social Welfare Department Director Rassem Jarban discussed challenges in supporting families facing socioeconomic hardship.

The program continued with a guided tour led by community activist Kifaya Amash, introducing participants to the history of the Ghawarna community, the village's connection to the sea and Taninim Stream, its historical landmarks, and the fishing village. The tour also highlighted women's contributions to preserving local heritage and advancing community initiatives.

Participants learned about the experience of Hamama Jarban, a fisherwoman, diver, and water sports instructor who faced demolition orders targeting her coastal facility. Her experience, supported through Mossawa's legal advocacy, reflects the challenges facing local entrepreneurs and the importance of protecting residents' access to coastal resources.

Community activists Kifaya Amash and Sahira Jarban shared examples of women's involvement in preserving the village's identity and strengthening community development.

The visit concluded with a communal lunch at Umm Anis's local establishment by the sea, providing an opportunity for further discussion and exchange of experiences.

Linking Local Development to Equal Rights and Participation

The visit forms part of Mossawa Center's efforts to connect leadership training with practical engagement in municipal policy, planning, budgeting, and community development.

Attorney Lama Nashashibi-Khoury, Coordinator of the Arab Women Leaders Network, emphasized:

"The experience of Jisr az-Zarqa demonstrates that development goes beyond establishing projects. It requires addressing inequalities in land and resource allocation, ensuring that residents benefit from their communities' potential, and involving women in setting priorities and overseeing their implementation."

The visit highlighted the broader structural inequalities facing Palestinian Arab communities in Israel and the need for equitable planning policies, fair distribution of public resources, and meaningful community participation.

Through the Reyadiyat Network, Mossawa Center continues to strengthen women's engagement with local authorities and promote partnerships that translate knowledge and leadership into tangible policy and community impact.

The Arab Women Leaders Network (Reyadiyat) is implemented by Mossawa Center in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), with co-funding from the European Union.