El Rawad – Education & Prevention of Violence in Arab Society

El Rawad is an Arab-led nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing violence and strengthening community resilience across Arab, Druze, Bedouin, Circassian, Muslim, and Christian communities in Israel through education.

Founded in 2020 by former Member of Knesset Saleh Saad and education expert Dr. Insaf Abu Ahmad, El Rawad combines deep professional expertise with a lived understanding of the communities it serves. The organization operates at the intersection of education, social development, and community engagement to address one of the most urgent challenges facing Arab society today.

Violence in Arab communities has reached unprecedented levels. In recent years, 70% of murder victims in Israel have been members of the Arab community, even though they represent only 20% of the Israeli population. This situation is driven by complex systemic factors, including poverty, limited economic opportunities, weakened traditional social structures, and low institutional trust. At the same time, many young people lack access to education, employment, and meaningful pathways for advancement, increasing vulnerability to crime and instability. These realities underscore the need for comprehensive, long-term solutions that go beyond reactive responses.

El Rawad’s work is grounded in the belief that sustainable change must begin early and be addressed systemically. The organization operates through a holistic, ecosystem-based model that engages all key stakeholders – students, educators, parents, schools, local authorities, and community institutions – to create safe, supportive, and opportunity-rich environments.

What distinguishes El Rawad is its integrated, community-driven approach. Rather than addressing violence through isolated interventions, the organization operates across the full educational and social ecosystem – working simultaneously with students, educators, parents, and community institutions. As an Arab-led organization rooted in the communities it serves, El Rawad combines cultural understanding with professional expertise, enabling it to build trust, ensure relevance, and create sustainable, long-term impact.

Its approach integrates several core pillars:

●       Socio-emotional learning (SEL) and life skills development

●       Youth empowerment and leadership development

●       Teacher training and capacity building

●       Technology and digital literacy

●       Community resilience and parental engagement

Through this integrated framework, El Rawad develops and implements programs for early

childhood, elementary and high school students, educators, parents, and community members – ensuring continuity and long-term impact across different stages of life.

El Rawad works in partnership with schools, local authorities, community centers, youth movements, and public institutions, embedding its programs within existing systems to maximize reach and effectiveness. Its initiatives combine structured learning with practical application, ongoing guidance, and real-world engagement, enabling participants to translate knowledge into action.

Major Programs

El Rawad implements a range of educational and community-based programs designed to reduce violence and strengthen long-term resilience:

●    Violence Prevention in Schools
 Structured programs for students and educators that build communication skills, emotional awareness, and non-violent conflict resolution from an early age.

●    Teacher Training & Capacity Building
 Professional development for educators focused on early identification of distress, inclusive classroom environments, and fostering a sense of belonging and safety.

●    Youth Empowerment & Leadership Development
 Programs that equip young people with leadership skills, social responsibility, and the ability to lead community-based initiatives.

●    Digital Literacy & Innovation Programs
 Hands-on learning in technology, coding, and digital tools that expand opportunities and support future employability.

●    Community Outreach & Support Initiatives
 Programs that engage families and communities, including support for vulnerable populations, strengthening social cohesion and resilience.

Vision

El Rawad envisions a future in which education and technology create safe, inclusive, and dynamic environments for all learners; where young people are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed; and where communities experience greater personal and collective security.

By strengthening educational ecosystems and expanding opportunities, El Rawad is working to reduce violence, increase social cohesion, and support long-term socio-economic mobility across Arab and Druze society in Israel.

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