The Galilee Society

The Galilee Society – The Arab National Society for Health Research and Services (Arabic: جمعية الجليل – الجمعية القطرية العربية للبحوث والخدمات الصحية) is a non-partisan, non-governmental organization founded in 1981 by a group of physicians and health specialists led by Dr. Hatem Kanaaneh. It is one of the first Arab civil society organizations established in Israel. The Society works to develop and empower the Arab community in Israel in the fields of health, environment, science, and community development. Headquartered in Shefa-Amr (Shfaram), the Galilee Society operates a Research and Development Center established in 1995. This center focuses on applied scientific projects and organizes educational activities in areas such as the environment, biotechnology, and herbal medicine. The organization also runs a Scientific Education Center, which has produced new scientific achievements, including research on renewable energy knowledge among science teacher trainees. The Galilee Society conducts applied social research through its Rikaz Applied Research unit. Recent studies have examined the impact of war on relationships within the Israeli health system, revealing that about 60% of workers experienced tension and hostility during wartime. Other research, conducted in partnership with the Abraham Initiatives, has explored Arab-Jewish professional relations in the health system and proposed practical models for partnership and institutional readiness. A recent study also highlighted a 23% increase in workplace accident risk during extreme heat, prompting the Ministry of Labor to consider mandatory "cooling breaks." The Society maintains partnerships and collaborations, welcomes volunteers, and accepts donations. It has recently welcomed Professor Samir Droubi, a prominent Arab scientist on the international stage, whose appointment reflects a strategic vision and commitment. The Galilee Society and the Abraham Initiatives also organized a conference to discuss the future of Arab-Jewish partnership in the health system amid crises. As a non-profit NGO, the Galilee Society is not publicly listed and operates independently. Its website serves as a platform for news, research publications, and community engagement.

The Galilee Society was founded in 1981 on the initiative of physicians and health specialists, led by Dr. Hatem Kanaaneh. It is considered one of the first Arab civil society organizations in Israel. The organization was established as a non-partisan, non-governmental body aiming to develop and advance the Arab community in Israel in the fields of health, environment, science, and development. In 1995, the Society established its Research and Development Center in the city of Shefa-Amr. This center focuses on developing applied scientific projects and organizes educational activities in the areas of environment, biotechnology, and herbal medicine. Over the years, the Galilee Society has expanded its activities to include applied social research through its Rikaz Applied Research unit, a Scientific Education Center, and various community health programs. In recent years, the Society has conducted significant research on the impact of war on the Israeli health system, in partnership with the Abraham Initiatives. Studies have examined tensions between Arab and Jewish medical teams and proposed practical models for partnership and institutional readiness. The organization has also researched workplace safety during extreme heat, contributing to policy discussions on mandatory cooling breaks. In a strategic development, Professor Samir Droubi, a prominent Arab scientist, joined the Society, reflecting its commitment to scientific excellence and community empowerment.

• 1995

  Established the Research and Development Center in Shefa-Amr, focusing on applied scientific projects and educational activities in environment, biotechnology, and herbal medicine.

• 1981

  The Galilee Society founded by Dr. Hatem Kanaaneh and a group of physicians and health specialists; one of the first Arab civil society organizations in Israel.

• Recent studies with Abraham Initiatives on war's impact on health system relationships; about 60% of workers felt tension and hostility.

• Study reveals 23% increase in workplace accident risk during extreme heat; Ministry of Labor moves toward mandatory cooling breaks.

• Professor Samir Droubi, prominent Arab scientist, joins the Society.

Non-profit, non-governmental organization advancing health, environmental, scientific, and developmental research and services for the Arab community in Israel.

• Applied health research

  Research on health system dynamics, workplace safety, and community health.

• Environmental research

  Studies on environmental health and related issues.

• Scientific education programs

  Educational activities in renewable energy, biotechnology, and herbal medicine.

• Rikaz Applied Research

  Unit for applied social research.

1. 1Official websitegal-soc.org
2. 2Wikidata entrywikidata.org
3. 3Arabic Wikipedia articlear.wikipedia.org