Arab-Palestinian Civil Society in Israel: Challenges and Prospects for Development

Sharaf Hassan

These developments and their impact on Palestinian society in Israel call for examination and analysis

Introduction

Since the mid-1970s, Palestinian civil society in Israel has witnessed noticeable growth that is reflected in activities that are coordinated by the various organizations and frameworks of this society. In addition, the role of these organizations and frameworks has expanded in politics, the economy, culture, upbringing, education, health, feminist activities, and numerous other fields, at both the local and national levels. These developments and their impact on Palestinian society in Israel call for examination and analysis. They also reflect on the Palestinian struggle in the political context as a national minority in an occupying ethnic state that uses policies of discrimination, oppression, and exclusion against it, as well as various agencies of control and enforcement. This chapter aims to discuss Palestinian civil society in Israel, its relationship with our Arab society and its ability to face the various challenges that are faced by this society. This chapter shines a light on social change organizations because of their close and direct link to the struggle for the rights of Palestinian citizens of Israel and of the Palestinian people in general, as well as their role in designing the identity of Palestinian society.