Beterem Honors Hundreds of Arab Volunteers at Annual Conference in Haifa

Hundreds of volunteers from across Israel gathered in Haifa on Sunday for the annual conference of Beterem for Child Safety, held at Beit Al-Karamah. The event recognized the ongoing contributions of Arab volunteers who are instrumental in raising awareness, promoting child safety, and preventing accidents and injuries within the Arab community. These volunteers are a cornerstone of Beterem's activities, dedicating their year to protecting children through educational programs in schools, kindergartens, community centers, hospitals, and homes.

The conference opened with remarks from Attaf Shtaiwi, Beterem's volunteer coordinator, who highlighted the significant achievements resulting from the partnership with Arab volunteers, including saving children's lives and preventing serious injuries. She expressed deep gratitude for their selfless dedication and thanked Beit Al-Karamah for hosting the event. Orly Silbinger, Director General of Beterem, echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over the rising rates of child injuries, particularly in the Arab community, and emphasizing the critical role of volunteers in driving societal change and equipping parents with essential safety knowledge.

Galia Shreir Tzionov, Beterem's Northern District Manager, stated that volunteerism is fundamental to social change and that Haifa's Beit Al-Karamah was chosen as a venue that embraces community diversity. The conference featured lectures on educational, health, and social aspects of child safety. Katy Noisser Kaware, a former founder of Beterem's volunteer work in the North, spoke about social-emotional learning in volunteer work with students, stressing the importance of heartfelt communication and creating safe environments for children.

Lawyer Malak Zeabi, a Beterem volunteer and director of the Patient Rights Center at Nazareth English Hospital, lectured on patient rights and how to obtain them. She emphasized the importance of integrating child safety awareness with personal health, especially for women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and highlighted the free services offered by her center to help the public understand and secure their medical rights.

The conference concluded with interactive workshops for volunteers to share experiences and foster collaboration. A musical performance by violinist Sorour Saliba added to the atmosphere, celebrating the volunteers' dedication to establishing a culture of safety for children in society.