In a collaborative effort between the Jaljulia Local Council and the Mossawa Center, over 30 diplomats from more than 20 foreign embassies visited Jaljulia on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The visit aimed to provide an in-depth look at the town’s development initiatives, showcase local projects, and offer insights into the broader realities facing the Palestinian Arab community in Israel.
The diplomatic delegation was welcomed by Jaljulia Council Chairman Darwish Rabi and Council Member Raed Abu Rayya, who led the tour through key sites, including Wadi Qana, the town’s sports facilities, the new residential neighborhood, the commercial district, the historic khan, and the mosque. These locations highlighted Jaljulia’s development efforts and future opportunities for investment and collaboration.
Following the tour, the council hosted a Ramadan iftar, during which Chairman Darwish Rabi emphasized the spiritual and communal significance of the holy month. The meal was followed by presentations and discussions on the status of Jaljulia and the Palestinian Arab community at large, moderated by Mossawa Center Executive Director Suha Salman Musa.
Musa thanked the diplomats for their participation, stressing the importance of strengthening ties between foreign embassies and Palestinian Arab society. She called for increased diplomatic engagement, sustained dialogue, and long-term cooperation to address key social and economic challenges.
Jaljulia Council Chairman Darwish Rabi and South Sharon Regional Council Chairwoman Oshrat Gani Gonen underscored the importance of regional partnerships between neighboring Arab and Jewish municipalities. They discussed shared challenges and the potential for joint development projects that promote equality and coexistence.
In his address, Mohammad Barakeh, Chairman of the Higher Follow-Up Committee, provided a broader perspective on the Palestinian people's situation. He called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and the repeal of discriminatory legislation, including the Nation-State Law. Barakeh highlighted the necessity of fostering Arab-Jewish cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Mossawa Center Director Jafar Farah elaborated on the social, economic, and political challenges facing Palestinian society, as well as its resilience and achievements. He urged the diplomatic community to strengthen partnerships with Arab local councils, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Farah also warned against Israeli government efforts to sideline Palestinian Arab citizens from decision-making processes and stressed the need for active international monitoring of Arab political representation and rights.
Dr. Rawda Markos Makhoul, International Advocacy Coordinator at the Mossawa Center, closed the meeting by thanking the attendees and reiterating the importance of sustained engagement with Arab communities. She invited the diplomats to participate in the Ramadan Nights program, which includes cultural activities and a community bazaar.
To provide further context, diplomats received informational materials detailing the socio-economic conditions of Palestinian Arab citizens in Israel and the development plans for Jaljulia.
This visit marks an essential step in strengthening international engagement with Palestinian Arab society and fostering diplomatic cooperation on issues of equity, development, and human rights.
