As part of its ongoing engagement with the international diplomatic community, the Mossawa Center hosted a Canadian diplomatic delegation last week for a meeting and field tour in Haifa.

The delegation, led by Chris Cotter, Chargé d'Affaires of the Canadian Embassy, and Political Advisor Kristen Janson, met with Mossawa Center Director Jafar Farah, Executive Director Suha Salman Musa, and International Advocacy Coordinator Dr. Rawda Marcos Makhoul at the organization's Haifa offices.

Addressing Systemic Challenges and Political Developments

The discussions centered on the ongoing challenges facing Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel, particularly in the aftermath of October 7, including:

• Budgetary discrimination and the systematic underfunding of Arab communities.
• Political persecution and restrictions on freedom of expression, especially concerning Arab activists and politicians.
• Efforts to politically exclude Arab parties from the Knesset, including proposed legislation aimed at disqualifying Arab representation.
• The rise of organized crime, its socio-economic roots, and its devastating impact on Palestinian Arab communities.
• The role of civil society organizations in defending the rights of Arab citizens and advocating for policy changes.
• The broader impact of events in the West Bank on Palestinian citizens of Israel and the importance of Jewish-Arab solidarity and joint struggle in confronting these challenges.

The Mossawa Center also presented key aspects of its work, including its economic justice, legal advocacy, and international outreach initiatives, highlighting ongoing projects aimed at promoting equality and combating discrimination.

Touring Old Haifa and Wadi Nisnas

Following the meeting, the Mossawa team led the Canadian delegation on a tour of Haifa’s historic neighborhoods, including Wadi Nisnas. The tour provided insight into the city's Palestinian Arab heritage, the challenges of maintaining its cultural identity, and the broader issues of urban development affecting Arab residents.

The visit underscores the importance of international diplomatic engagement in supporting the rights of Palestinian Arab citizens and fostering dialogue on social justice, equality, and historical preservation.