The government and the National Civilian Service Authority (Shirut Leumi) are increasing the number of opportunities for young Arab women in eastern Jerusalem who want to volunteer in local schools and other places in the framework of national service. The program started with 10 volunteers in 2011 and has grown to 100 participants. The service is looking to create another 30 opportunities before school starts in September. Most volunteers work in schools, kindergartens, hospitals and health clinics in the Arab neighborhoods.
The young women receive benefits similar to those given to IDF soldiers at the conclusion of their military service.
The tour explored the reasons that increasing numbers of mostly young Arab girls who live in Jerusalem’s eastern neighborhoods are volunteering in the framework of the national civilian service and how this is viewed by their communities.
The half-day tour included:
A briefing with Sar Shalom Jerbi, director of National Civilian Service Authority
A meeting with two Arab volunteers from eastern Jerusalem in the Interior Ministry at east Jerusalem
A meeting with Zeinab Abu Ras, National Civilian Service coordinator for the Arab sector
