Swiss Ambassador Visits Israeli Arab Village of Al-Mashhad

Swiss Ambassador Simon Geissbühler visited the village of Al-Mashhad, marking a significant day for the community. He was accompanied by Dr. Ghazal Abu Raya and Embassy Advisor Nour Younes. The visit aimed to demonstrate support for the village's development and its residents.

Upon arrival, the delegation was welcomed by the residents, their institutions, and schools. The Head of the Local Council, Tawfiq Yahya Suleiman, along with council members Suleiman Saleh and Khaled Bahouti, and department heads Saeed Suleiman and Jamal Hosh, greeted the ambassador. A productive meeting took place between the council head and the ambassador to discuss strategic issues that could positively impact the village's future.

Dr. Ghazal Abu Raya was credited for his role in organizing the day in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy and the Local Council. The ambassador inquired about the village's aspirations, asking, "What is Al-Mashhad's dream so we can support it?" In response, Tawfiq Suleiman presented an ambitious project for a comprehensive, high-standard sports village. The council also formally requested scholarships for Al-Mashhad students in universities, submitting a detailed plan.

The ambassador's itinerary included a tour of the village's educational institutions, including the distinguished high school, the excellent junior high school, and the elementary school, as well as the Al-Amal Private School. He also visited the elderly care home to meet with the older generation. The ambassador insisted on visiting the proposed site for the sports village.

The visit concluded with a heritage tour of an ancient house known as "Al-Aqd," which honors the legacy of the late Haj Yahya Saeed Suleiman. A large number of Al-Mashhad residents attended the events, including prominent figures like Haj Youssef Abdul Aziz, Haj Haseeb Marai Abu Fares, Sheikh Kaid Shehadeh, and Imam Mohammed Hussein Saleh Abu Hussein, alongside council staff and school faculty.