Founding Team
Dr. Samer Swaid
Chair of Betna Board; Director of the Arab Center for Alternative Planning
Dr. Muhammad Khalaily
Director General
Firas Khawaled
National Activities Director
Prof. Ayman Igbaria
Educational Advisor to Betna
Watfa Kanaan
Director of Educational Management, Content, and Mentorship
Waseem Hosary
Director of Government Resources, Partnerships, and Marketing
Adella Byadi -Shlon
Director of Monitoring and Evaluation
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.
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.
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.
Prof. Ayman Igbaria
Educational Advisor to Betna
An educator, poet, playwright, and researcher. He is currently a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Haifa. His poems have been published in journals and anthologies in various languages. He has written six plays that have been staged: The Bus, White of the Eyes, O Sun, Do Not Set, It Happens Every Thursday, Days of Organizing, and Warda and the Checkpoint. His poetry collections include I Scattered and Prefer Not to Be Gathered, Clothespins, and Lost Debts, alongside dozens of academic articles, chapters, and books.
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.
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.
Administrative Staff
Hussein Marisat
Coordinator of the Lower Galilee Region
Najwan Taha
Content and Mentorship Coordinator
Shireen Assaf
Coordinator of the Upper Galilee Region
Ameen Michael
Digital Content (Media) Coordinator
Hussein Marisat
Coordinator of the Lower Galilee Region
Holds a BA and MA in Political Science from the University of Haifa. Coordinator of Betna Youth in Tamra branch and Coordinator of the Lower Galilee region. A social activist with extensive experience and a group facilitator in civil society. Previously worked in various roles within civil society organizations.
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.
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.
Betna Branch Coordinators
Adham Jamal Darawshe
Iksal
Shireen Assaf
Abu Sinan
Maysa Igbariya
Umm al-Fahm
Hamza Samara
Taybeh
Hussein Marisat
Coordinator of Lower Galilee Region
Najwan Taha
Kabul
Jihad Al-Amour
Kiryat Al-Sirr (Naqab/Negev)
Omnia Aisawi
Al-Fureidis
Safaa Amara
Kafr Kanna
Afaf Shehadeh
Kafr Yassif
Malak Qais
Jadida al-Makr
Rami Saleh
Beit Jann
Diana Abu Reesh
Yirka
Osama Talalqa
Hura (Naqab/Negev
Sabrina Abu Siyam
Rahat
Hanna Khoury
Haifa
Costa Jarjoura
Nazareth
Ihsan Baya’a
Acre
Suha Khalaila
Sakhnin
Diana Sweid
Baqa al-Gharbiyye
Ola Kiwan
Majd al-Krum
Adham Jamal Darawshe
Iksal
Coordinator of Betna branch in Iksal. Works as an engineer by day and is passionate about his social and political activism at all times. Views Betna as more than just a youth framework; it is a vital project to build a generation with vision, practicing their role consciously and confidently. Believes that our society has enormous youth energy, and what we need is to give them the opportunity to be independent in their thinking, connected to their roots and environment, and influential in their present and future to make the difference we all aspire to.
Shireen Assaf
Abu Sinan
Holds a Bachelor's degree in Non-Formal Education and Mathematics. Coordinator of Betna Youth Movement, Abu Sinan branch, and coordinator of the Upper Galilee region. Has extensive experience directing youth groups, has worked and been active in many youth frameworks, and managed a youth center. Aspires to provide unconventional and creative educational experiences that inspire individuals and help them discover and develop their abilities.
Maysa Igbariya
Umm al-Fahm
Coordinator of Betna Youth Movement, Umm al-Fahm branch, university student studying Child Development. Believes that youth are the energy of life, and when they are in the right framework, they make a noticeable difference in their community.
She believes every moment in Betna is an opportunity to learn, grow, and move towards change.
Hamza Samara
Taybeh
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Taybeh branch, and coordinator of the Central region, theatre and performance trainer for children, coordinator of the student leadership project – "The Campus" at the Qadaya Institute. Political and social activist.
Believes that lighting a candle is better than cursing the darkness.
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.
Najwan Taha
Kabul
Holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences. Blogger and writer, graduate of the "Hikaya" program for writing and publishing children's literature, works in building and developing workshops in storytelling and children's literature in primary schools. Aspires to develop the field of value-based and non-formal education through writing and content coordination, and developing incentive systems accessible to Betna coordinators and students.
Jihad Al-Amour
Kiryat Al-Sirr (Naqab/Negev)
Coordinator of Betna Youth, unrecognized village of Kiryat Al-Sirr in the Negev, holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences and is an educator in special education.
Social activist in unrecognized villages, volunteer for steadfastness and rights acquisition for village residents.
Omnia Aisawi
Al-Fureidis
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Al-Fureidis branch. University student, social activist and group mentor, graduate of young leadership programs, aims to raise youth awareness and embrace them, providing necessary experience and skills and integrating them into society.
Safaa Amara
Kafr Kanna
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Kafr Kanna branch, holds academic qualifications in Psychology and Business Administration. Interested in community development and institutional development, specialized in managing developmental projects and youth empowerment. Seeks to qualify young cadres and develop their leadership and professional skills.
Afaf Shehadeh
Kafr Yassif
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Kafr Yassif branch, university student in Psychology at the University of Haifa.
Passionate about spreading awareness about mental health, and believes in the role of a strong, influential, and leading youth generation in community development.
Malak Qais
Jadida al-Makr
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Jadida al-Makr branch, teacher of Geography and Social and Civic Education.
Strives to be a helping hand for the next generation to reach safety and security.
Rami Saleh
Beit Jann
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Beit Jann branch, holds a Bachelor's degree in Management, works in guidance and counselling for youth.
Aspires to make a positive change in society by empowering youth and helping them achieve their potential and reach the furthest possible limits.
Diana Abu Reesh
Yirka
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Yirka branch, special needs teacher and therapeutic educator for youth in distress.
Passionate about empowering youth and providing a safe and supportive environment that opens doors of hope and success for them.
Osama Talalqa
Hura (Naqab/Negev
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Hura branch in the Negev, and coordinator of the Negev region. Teacher, holds a Master's degree in Management, works as a director of educational summer camps combining values, fun, and learning.
Social activist, believes education is the cornerstone of building the individual and society, and that true impact starts from the field—whether a classroom, a community project, a playground, or a dialogue arena.
Sabrina Abu Siyam
Rahat
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Rahat branch, Master's student in Education.
Aspires to create a more supportive and welfare environment for children and their families, psychologically and socially. Has a deep passion for working with youth, believing in their ability to change and empowering them in their personal paths.
Hanna Khoury
Haifa
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Haifa branch, holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, expert in technological employment and group facilitation.
Believes empowerment begins with sincere encounters and building safe spaces.
Costa Jarjoura
Nazareth
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Nazareth branch, holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations from Birzeit University, and is studying for a Master's degree in the same field at Tel Aviv University.
Believes youth have a crucial role in making change, and that justice and equality are not just slogans but core values. Firmly convinced that real change starts with each individual and through cooperation and teamwork.
Ihsan Baya’a
Acre
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Acre branch, holds a Master's degree in Strategic Counselling, works in guidance and non-formal education.
Aspires to refine a conscious and creative young generation, to discover their latent energy, and be future leaders and agents of change.
Suha Khalaila
Sakhnin
Coordinator of Betna Youth, Sakhnin branch. Holds a Master's degree researching Children's and Youth Culture. Experienced group mentor in public and social work.
Dreams of building a generation that carries their community's issues, interacts with them consciously and responsibly, and grows up on human values and genuine belonging to the homeland. She is always accompanied by the words of Nizar Qabbani:
"We want a generation that cultivates horizons and uproots history from its roots... uproots thought from the depths. We want a coming generation... different in features... does not bow... does not know hypocrisy... we want a generation... pioneering and giant..."
Diana Sweid
Baqa al-Gharbiyye
Coordinator of Betna branch in Baqa al-Gharbiyye. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Behavioural Sciences and a teaching certificate. Believes that working with youth is a mission before it is a job. Through listening, guidance, and continuous support, we can build a confident, conscious, and active generation in their society. Aspires to create positive change by supporting future generations and developing their social and psychological capacities.
Ola Kiwan
Majd al-Krum
Coordinator of Betna Youth Movement, Majd al-Krum branch. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Education, and Human Resources, a teaching certificate for early childhood, and a Master's degree in Business Administration. Organizational consultant and qualified in local leadership.
Believes in the importance of empowering the rising generation and accompanying them in their personal and social growth paths. Passionate about working with youth and strives to build relationships based on trust and respect, encouraging each individual to discover their inner strength and enhance their identity. Focuses on developing interactive programs, promoting youth leadership, and linking community values with the daily reality of youth. Aspires to be part of a positive change in participants' lives by creating a safe and stimulating environment that allows them to express themselves freely.