Betna is an Arab youth movement and educational institution, established in 2022 by a group of Arab activists, with the aim of creating supportive and suitable frameworks for Arab youth, and nurturing local youth leaders with the required competencies. It also aims to foster a sense of belonging, develop social responsibility, and strengthen public (or civic?) participation.
The movement offers complementary educational programs that enhance the social and moral aspects of young men and women by equipping them with leadership skills, the required competencies, and creative tools.
Betna operates through a variety of activities, including interactive workshops; internal and external enrichment events; tours and trips; leadership camps and counselor training; local initiatives; enrichment lectures; and meetings and networking with Betna branches across the country.
Betna is an Arab youth movement and educational institution, established in 2022 by a group of Arab activists, with the aim of creating supportive and suitable frameworks for Arab youth, and nurturing local youth leaders with the required competencies. It also aims to foster a sense of belonging, develop social responsibility, and strengthen public (or civic?) participation.
إقرأ المزيد >
Youth • Independent
Belonging • Influential
Our Monthly Highlight 
Betna’s Goals 
To cultivate young leaders
within the Arab community;
within the Arab community;
To strengthen social and public participation in pursuit
of equality and social and economic justice
of equality and social and economic justice
To foster a sense of empowerment,
responsibility, and community belonging;
responsibility, and community belonging;
To develop critical thinking and foster life skills;
To strengthen cohesion and communication
among the components of Arab society.
among the components of Arab society.
Betna’s Vision
Driven by our belief that youth are the cornerstone in the process of building and advancing societies—and given that they make up the largest segment of our community—Betna strives to build and shape a generation of young leaders who are rooted in their surroundings, influential within their communities, and capable of creating positive change.
This vision stems from the urgent need for frameworks that take into account the social and identity contexts of our society. Therefore, we are committed to creating a supportive climate, a fertile ground, and a safe and supportive environment that provides youth with leadership skills, practical knowledge, and inspiring opportunities — strengthening their sense of belonging, developing their capacities, and instilling in them the values of initiative and giving, drawn from their rich heritage and from the principles of dialogue, pluralism, and human justice.
Betna Initiatives - Influential Youth 
Administrative staff
Dr. Samer Swaid
Chair of Betna Board; Director of the Arab Center for Alternative Planning
Adella Byadi -Shlon
Director of Monitoring and Evaluation
Watfa Kanaan
Director of Educational Management, Content, and Mentorship
Waseem Hosary
Director of Government Resources, Partnerships, and Marketing
Hussein Marisat
Coordinator of Lower Galilee Region
Dr. Muhammad Khalaily
Director General
Najwan Taha
Content and Mentorship Coordinator
Shireen Assaf
Coordinator of the Upper Galilee Region
Firas Khawaled
National Activities Director
Ameen Michael
Digital Content (Media) Coordinator
Dr. Samer Swaid
Chair of Betna Board; Director of the Arab Center for Alternative Planning
Holds a BA in Political Science and Educational Management, an MA in Political Science with a focus on Democracy Studies, and a PhD in Political Science. His doctoral research focused on the political discourse of Palestinians in Israel. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at University College London (UCL). A researcher and lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Haifa, and a political and social activist. He co-founded several political and social initiatives and institutions, including The Coalition to increase Arab voter turnout, the Emergency Coalition for Arab Civil Society Organizations, Al-Bayader for Economic and Social Development, Qadaya – a leadership institution, and the Betna youth movement.
Adella Byadi -Shlon
Director of Monitoring and Evaluation
Holds a BA in English Language and Literature and Educational Management, and an MA in Political Science. An organizational consultant and group facilitator, she works in the field of monitoring and evaluation. She is also a project manager at Qadaya Institute for Leadership and leads campaigns and projects at the Arab Center for Alternative Planning.
Watfa Kanaan
Director of Educational Management, Content, and Mentorship
Holds a BA in Sociology and Learning Disabilities, and an MA focused on research in alternative education streams. A graduate of the Mandel Youth Leadership Institute, she is a group facilitator specializing in youth, as well as a personal and administrative coach. She has held numerous positions in non-formal education and youth leadership, including team mentorship, content development, and educational guidance. She brings broad knowledge and experience in working with youth, developing programs and tools in education and non-formal learning, and designing personal and professional guidance in educational leadership.
Waseem Hosary
Director of Government Resources, Partnerships, and Marketing
A lawyer with a BA in Private Law and an MA in Political Science from the University of Haifa. A graduate of the Mandel Program for Social Leadership. An initiator and activist for promoting equality in Arab society across various fields, including civil rights advocacy. He specializes in legal and public advocacy and in leveraging government resources. He is also a lecturer, project manager, group facilitator in conflict resolution, and evaluator of social projects.
Hussein Marisat
Coordinator of Lower Galilee Region
Holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Political Science from the University of Haifa.
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Tamra branch, and coordinator of the Lower Galilee region. Experienced social activist and community group mentor.
Dr. Muhammad Khalaily
Director General
A social activist and initiator, holds a PhD from the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Haifa. He completed postdoctoral studies and received a visiting researcher grant at SOAS – University of London. He has published several books and academic articles. He is also Director of Qadaya Institute at the Arab Center for Alternative Planning.
Najwan Taha
Content and Mentorship Coordinator
Holds a BA in Social Sciences. A blogger and writer, graduate of "Hikaya" program for children’s literature writing and publishing. She works on building and developing workshops in storytelling and children’s literature in elementary schools. She aims to develop the field of value-based and non-formal education through content writing and coordination, and by developing incentive systems accessible to Betna coordinators and students. She believes that knowledge is the oil of lamps, and youth are our lamps that we strive to ignite with all our strength.
Shireen Assaf
Coordinator of the Upper Galilee Region
Holds a BA in Non-formal Education and Mathematics. Coordinator of Betna Youth Movement in Abu Snan branch and Coordinator of the Upper Galilee region. She has extensive experience in guiding youth groups, has worked and been active in many youth frameworks, and managed a youth center. She aspires to provide non-traditional and creative educational experiences that inspire individuals and help them discover and develop their abilities.
Firas Khawaled
National Activities Director
Holds a BA in English Language Education and an MA in Communications. A graduate of the Mandel Program for Youth Leadership and the Maoz Program for Civil Society Institutions. He has extensive experience in non-formal education and in managing youth movements. He has served as a director and coordinator of various projects.
Ameen Michael
Digital Content (Media) Coordinator
Holds a BA in Graphic Design from New Bulgarian University. A professional photographer and qualified graphic designer, activist and volunteer in civil society organizations working in the youth sector.