Umm Al-Fahm Municipality Plays Key Role at National Legal Counsel Conference
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Umm Al-Fahm Municipality representatives played a significant role at the annual conference for legal advisors in Eilat. Lawyer Wamid Hussein Mahamid coordinated the academic aspects and led a central seminar, while Mayor Dr. Samir Sabhi presented on challenges in Arab local governance and highlighted the municipality's achievements. The municipality also proposed a strategic plan for Arab society and discussed crime and the status of Arab lawyers with the head of the Israel Bar Association.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Umm Al-Fahm Municipality's lawyer Wamid Hussein Mahamid coordinated the annual legal advisors conference and led a key seminar.
- Mayor Dr. Samir Sabhi represented local authorities nationwide and presented on challenges in Arab society.
- The municipality highlighted its success in securing NIS 1.4 billion for housing and resolving land authority disputes.
- Umm Al-Fahm proposed a "Vision 2031" plan for Arab society, advocating for stable core budgets.
- Discussions were held with the Israel Bar Association on combating crime and supporting Arab lawyers.
The Umm Al-Fahm Municipality was prominently represented at the annual conference for legal advisors and lawyers working in local authorities, held this week in Eilat. Lawyer Wamid Hussein Mahamid was instrumental in the academic coordination of the conference and moderated its central seminar. Mayor Dr. Samir Sabhi represented heads of local authorities nationwide and delivered a lecture on the challenges facing Arab society and local governance.
The municipality's presentation, titled "Gatekeepers for Growing Partnership: Dismantling Bureaucratic Obstacles in Arab Society," highlighted its vision for overcoming challenges in Arab local authorities. Dr. Sabhi emphasized the importance of cohesive legal work and proactive planning in facilitating projects. The municipality showcased its achievements, including signing a NIS 1.4 billion "ceiling agreement" for 5,400 housing units and successfully litigating against the Israel Land Authority to enable the construction of 1,515 housing units. The presentation also noted the municipality's high completion rate of 97% for funding applications, securing NIS 756 million for infrastructure, reducing its deficit from NIS 80 million to approximately NIS 33 million, and doubling municipal tax collection to NIS 88 million.
Furthermore, Umm Al-Fahm proposed its "Vision 2031" strategic plan for Arab society, advocating for stable core budgets for welfare and education instead of conditional funding and competitive grants. The plan also called for eliminating the self-funding requirement, which burdens Arab towns, and prioritizing early childhood and youth development.
Lawyer Wamid Hussein Mahamid also led the central seminar on "Salary Conditions for Legal Professionals in Local Authorities," addressing the need to improve working conditions and retain talent. Mayor Sabhi stressed that legal counsel is a vital partner in effective administration and development, and that fair treatment of legal professionals ensures the retention of expertise and protects public funds. The municipality also called for state-provided institutional protection for legal advisors in Arab local authorities to help them confront threats and pressures.
On the sidelines of the conference, a meeting was held with the Head of the Israel Bar Association, Amit Becher, to discuss combating crime and violence using legal tools, and to enhance the representation and support for Arab lawyers within the Bar Association's committees and decision-making bodies.