Jiser Al-Zarqa Hosts Training Course on Mediation and Reconciliation

A training course focused on fostering a culture of mediation and reconciliation is currently underway in Jiser Al-Zarqa, a local Arab community in Israel. The program is led by Dr. Ghazal Abu Raya, director of the National Center for Mediation, and is part of initiatives by the local council's community security department. The course aims to strengthen dialogue and understanding as methods for resolving disputes and building a more cohesive society.

Participants are being equipped with practical skills in mediation, conflict management, and reconciliation. The curriculum covers understanding the roots of conflict, identifying visible and hidden causes of disputes, communication and listening skills, trust-building, and bridging differing perspectives. Practical exercises and simulations of real-life scenarios are also included.

The course is administratively and content-wise supported by Qassem Sawed, director of the community security department at the local council, who is coordinating efforts between the training staff and the organizers to align the course objectives with the community's needs. Participants have expressed appreciation for the skills and knowledge gained, noting the course's effectiveness in developing mediation mechanisms and understanding conflict causes. They highlighted the value of sharing experiences and linking theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Participants stated their intention to translate their learning into community initiatives within their respective organizations and institutions, promoting values of contribution, cooperation, and social responsibility. They specifically mentioned their desire to work on initiatives with local frameworks and institutions, aiming to translate their learning into action that reinforces the values of giving, mediation, and reconciliation. They also emphasized the importance of continued coordination with Qassem Sawed to develop practical ideas and leverage mediation and conflict management tools.

The participants and staff extended thanks to Saleh Baqai, director of the Coastal District at the Community Security Authority, for his support in the success of this initiative and for promoting programs that spread the culture of dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation. They affirmed that fostering a culture of mediation and reconciliation is a shared societal responsibility, and that possessing the tools for dialogue, mediation, and conflict management contributes to conflict prevention, understanding, and strengthening social cohesion.