Index:
Chapter 1: Ramallah Municipality 1. Mayor’s Speech 2 2. Members of the Municipal Council 3 3. Executive Management 4 4. Municipality Vision 5 5. Municipality Mission 5
Chapter 2: Strategic objectives 1. To develop infrastructure, zoning and urban planning to contribute to economic development 14 2. To reinforce and improve health and environmental conditions 24 3. To contribute to cultural and community development 34 4. To develop institutions, and build capacities to achieve operational excellence 49 5. To promote the status of Ramallah locally, regionally and globally 63
Chapter 3: General data 1. Engineering Data 92 2. Ramallah Tourist Information Center Data 94 3. General Data, Public Service Center 96 4. Financial Data 98
3 Musa Hadid / Mayor of Ramallah Mayor’s Speech Sameh Abd Almajeed / Deputy Mayor Beloved people,
Ramallah has never been merely the city that we live in, Ramallah lives inside our hearts; it fascinates us with its captivating beauty; it is embedded within us; we see it in the faces of Council its people, streets and homes. Members Ramallah is paved with memories, fragranced with the spirits of those who wrote its his- tory. Ramallah remains a witness of an everlasting identity that can never be wiped away. Its generations successively carried the legacy of its founder Rashed Al-Haddadin, who had always desired it to be a model city and strived with his successors towards this goal until it became a national beacon in the era of its knight, the martyr Karim Khalaf, who reinforced its identity. The legacy continued until it was handed to me to follow in their footsteps of Amin Inabi Janet Michael Harbi Froukh Hasan Abu Shalbak Ramzi Abu Aledham Sami Hussary Ala' Abu Ein love and loyalty.
Eng. Musa Hadid Mayor of Ramallah
5 Omar Assaf Faisal Darass Kamal Daibes Maher Hanania Nadia Habash Nijmeh Ghanem Executive Vision & Mission
Vision of the City of Ramallah Management A distinguished, civilized city, beautiful and green, secure and prosperous, environmentally friendly, preserving its natural and cultural heritage, attracting tourism and in- vestment, nurturing culture and arts, distinguished by its Director General of Ramallah Municipality/ Ahmad Khamees Abu-Laban political, cultural and intellectual diversity and its respect for human rights. Head of Administrative Affairs Department/ Ellen Saba Baba Head of Financial Affairs/ Suleiman Fahed Ghuneim Vision of Ramallah Municipality A leading and distinguished municipality, distributing its Head of Engineering Department/ Shadi Al Ghadban services fairly, working professionally and transparently Head of Cultural and Community Affairs Department/ Faten Farhat with all the other city institutions on the basis of partner- Head of Public Relations/ Maha Shihadeh ship and integration. Acting Head of Health and Environment Department/ Malvina Al Jamal Mission of the City of Ramallah Head of Bids and Procurement Division/ Saleh Azar Offering distinguished services to the inhabitants and visitors of Ramallah, aspiring to become a civilized, open Head of Complaints Unit/ Saqr Hanatsheh Rinawi Photo Arine by: and lively city, capable of coping with development, con- tributing to sustainability and committed to justice and Head of Internal Supervision / Maher Boulos Natour equal rights in the distribution of its services in accor- Mayor’s Consultant for Planning Affairs/ Usama Hamdeh dance with community partnership. 7 Eng. Moussa Hadid: God has blessed me with Ramallah being my city The new and birthplace. I am humbled and honored for the trust that its people, my people, have shown to me by lovingly handing me its key, which I will Municipal faithfully carry in partnership with my colleagues. Working together we Council can move forward in building our city and accomplishing great things.
Engineer Musa Hadid, Mayor of Ramallah The new Municipal Council volumes. Governor of Ramallah, Dr. Layla The new municipal council receives gratulated the elected council on the Sameh Abdul Majeed, Vice Mayor assumes its responsibilities Ghannam, and the former Mayor of Ramal- congratulations occasion of assuming its responsibilities lah, Ayyoub Rabah and other officials, public and expressed his confidence that the The Municipal Council, in its first meet- The new Municipal Council assumed its of- figures and members of the elected and for- The Mayor of Ramallah and its elect- new council will build on the accom- ing, elected Musa Hadid as its head, ficial responsibilities in a handover ceremo- mer municipal councils attended as well. ed municipal council received officials plishments of the previous councils while Sameh Abdul Majeed was elected ny that took place at the Ramallah Cultural Eng. Hadid expressed his gratitude and and citizens who came to congratu- and will enhance the quality of services as deputy Mayor. The elections took Palace. Mayor Musa Hadid received nine appreciation to President Mahmoud Ab- late them on the occasion of assum- provided to the people thus contribut- place in the presence of all the council’s volumes from the acting mayor Eng. Mah- bas, who has adopted the democratic ap- ing their duties. Mayor Hadid and the ing to their steadfastness. He also ex- elected members who represented the moud Abdallah. The volumes included the proach to achieve justice and legitimacy. new council expressed their pride and pressed his confidence that the day will three winning electoral lists. During the different scopes of municipal work and oth- He also thanked the previous Mayor and respect to the citizens of the Ramal- come when the people of Jerusalem, meeting, nominations were open for er requirements contained within the terms members of the previous municipal coun- lah for the civilized role that they have our eternal capital, will elect their own the post of Mayor. Eng. Musa Hadid de- of the Ministry of Local Government for cil for everything they have achieved, con- played in exercising their democratic municipal council within the confines of clared his candidacy and was elected for the handover of authority to new munici- firming that the new council will follow in right during the municipal elections an independent sovereign Palestinian the post. Similarly, Mr. Sameh Abdul Ma- pal councils. The ceremony was attended by their footsteps, and building on the founda- and for the confidence they have state. Hundreds of people flocked to jeed ran for the post of Vice Mayor and previous mayor Janet Michael and Undersec- tion that they have established and further granted to the council. the municipality headquarters to offer won the vote. retary of Ministry of Local Government, Eng. developing what they have accomplished. Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad, dur- their congratulations, along with many 9 Mazen Ghneim, who received a copy of the ing his visit to the Municipality, con- religious, official and renowned figures. Our Guests The National Committee Birzeit University for Retired Servicemen The Consul General of France and the Head Ramallah Municipal Council received a delega- The National Committee for Retired Servicemen offered of the French Development Agency tion from Birzeit University comprising Prof. its congratulations to Ramallah Municipality during a visit Dr. Khalil Hindi, President of Birzeit University, paid to the Municipality Headquarters by the Retired Ma- The Consul General of France, Mr. Fré- Dr. Ghassan Al Khatib , Vice President for De- jor General Salah Shadid, head of the Committee. Major déric Desagneaux congratulated Eng. Musa velopment and Communications, Mrs. Lubna Shadid praised the leading role of the Municipality in serv- Hadid on his new post and wished him Abdulhadi, Deputy Director –Public Relations.. ing and developing the city and expressed the willingness of success in leading this prominent dynamic Dr. Al Hindi congratulated the council on their the Committee to cooperate and share its expertise with Palestinian city .The Consul also praised victory and assuming their office, expressing his the Municipality. On its part, the Municipal Council valued the relationship between Ramallah and pride that one of their alumni has become the the outstanding and generous role of the Committee in the cities of Paris, Bordeaux and Toulouse Mayor of Ramallah and confirming that the uni- supporting the Municipality. The Committee awarded an and emphasized his continued support for versity stands out for the quality of its graduates appreciation token to the Mayor of Ramallah and his staff. strengthening and developing the relations and their involvement in social service. They also Sbitany Company presented a television display screen between Ramallah and the three cities. discussed the significant role of the university in to Ramallah Municipality The municipal council also met with a dele- graduating leaders and preparing them for serv- gation from the French consulate including ing their country as well as developing the re- In a visit paid to the Municipality by Mr. Akram Sbitani, the director of the French Development lationship between the university and the local General Deputy Director of the company; the municipality Agency in Palestine, Mr. Hervé Conan and authorities including Ramallah Municipality in the valued the importance of the partnership with the private the Decentralized Cooperation project fields of training, volunteer work and technology. sector and thanked the company for their generous dona- coordinator, Mrs. Céline Dajani. The meeting highlighted the role played by tion which confirms that Ramallah is a city for all, affirming Eng. Hadid welcomed his guests and the Municipality in networking between cities that the contribution of the private sector in the develop- thanked France for supporting the Pales- and establishing exchange programs between ment of vital city projects will benefit both the city and the tinian non-member observer status at the Birzeit University students and students from citizens. On his part, Mr.Sbitani said that his company is United Nations, confirming that the spe- those cities as well as the voluntary and collab- working on enhancing the relationship with the commu- cial relationship between Ramallah and the orative participation of the University students nity and the people pointing to the facilities provided by his company to the Municipality employees and which aims at French cities will continue to grow and be- in the cultural, environmental and community 11 come stronger. activities and events of Ramallah Municipality. strengthening the partnership and serving the employees. The formation of the sub-committees of the municipal council
Name of Committee Committee Head Members Projects Committee Musa Hadid Nadia Habash, Ala’a Abu Ein, Ramzi Abu Al Itham Organization Committee Musa Hadid Hasan Abu Shalbak, Nijma Ghanem, Omar Assaf Financial Affairs Committee Nijma Ghanem Sameh Abdelmajeed, Ala’a Abu Ein Administrative Affairs Committee Ramzi Abu Al Itham Kamal Deibes, Omar Assaf Bids Committee Hasan Abu Shalbak Faisal Darras, Maher Hanania Estimation Committee Faisal Darras Ala’a Abu Ain, Sami Al Husari Heath, Environment and City Beautification Committee Harbi Farrouk Kamal Deibes, Amin Innabi Cultural and Community Affairs Committee Omar Assaf Amin Innabi, Sameh Abdelmajeed Public Relations and Media Committee Kamal Deibes Faisal Drs, Maher Hanania Lore Tax Committee Musa Hadid Janet Michael, Nadia Habash Internal Control Committee Amin Innabi Sami Husari, Sameh Abdelmajeed Cultural Heritage and Old City Committee Nadia Habash Harbi Farroukh, Nijmeh Ghanem, Janet Michael
Choosing representatives of the Municipal Council for bodies and institutions:
• Jerusalem District Electricity Company: Mayor Musa Hadid • Jerusalem Water Undertaking Authority: Mayor Musa Hadid, Kamal Deibes • Joint Service Council for Solid Waste Management: Deputy Mayor, Sameh Abdulmajeed • Joint Cooperation Unit for Ramallah, Al-Bireh and Beitounia: Mayor Musa Hadid, Hasan Abu Shalbak, Faisal Darras. • Palestine Medical complex: Ala’a Abu Ein 13 Annual Plan 2013 Strategic Plan 2012-2015 Ramallah Municipality prepared the annual plan and discussed it during a three day workshop attended by the previous Municipal Council, Director General of the Municipality, directors of departments and heads In the year 2012, the Strategic Plan for the Municipality of Ramallah for the four years (2012 - 2015) was approved. The municipality of of various departments in the municipality. The Director General delivered a presentation that included Ramallah exerted great efforts in preparing and adopting the strategic plan, starting with the organization of a workshop attended by the mu- lessons derived from the previous phase, in order to evaluate and develop a new plan for the municipality. nicipal council and the former administration’s senior and mid-level staff, and lasted for three days. During the workshop, the main structure In turn, the directors of departments gave an evaluation presentation on the work and achievements of of the plan was set, and the first draft was prepared. It included: vision, mission, strategic goals, development objectives, strategies, estimated their departments for the year 2012 and their feedback on the financial and administrative performance cost, and other factors. The different departments implemented the strategic plan, including the projects and programs in accordance with of the municipality. The participants also worked on the formulation of the development goals of the the estimated cost distributed over the four years 2012-2015. The departments then prepared a detailed action plan for the year 2012, which municipality, the main and sub activities, the indicators of the activities ,the human and material needs for served as the basis of the Strategic Plan for the year 2012. The committees of the previous municipal council met with the relevant depart- the coming year 2013; that plan was also discussed by all the participants. ments for a detailed discussion about the plan’s activities according to areas of jurisdiction. The strategic plan included five goals; First: the development of infrastructure, zoning and urban planning to contribute to economic development, Second: contributing to cultural and com- Discussion of the Annual Plan 2013 by the New Municipal Council munity development, Third: reinforcing and improving health and environmental conditions of the city of Ramallah, Fourth: promoting the status of Ramallah, locally, regionally and globally, and Fifth: institutional development and capacity building to achieve operational excellence. In a two day workshop, the head and members of the new Municipal Council discussed the annual plan for the Municipality of Ramallah for the year 2013. At the workshop, the executive management presented the different departments’ plans for the next year, the projects implemented by each department and the poli- Discussion of the Strategic Plan 2012-2015 five strategic objectives set by the municipality, cies related to their fields of work. The components of the strategic plan for the Municipality 2012-2015 and with Representatives of the Local Community which address the fact that the human being is those of the annual plan of 2013 were introduced, as well as a presentation about the municipality and its the essence of development, and the aspira- administration. The workshop participants were divided into groups comprising the sub-committees of the Ramallah Municipality discussed the Strategic tion of Ramallah Municipality to become a dis- Council, including the head of each committee, the members and the Departments Directors. The groups Plan (2012-2015), during a meeting that took tinguished, beautiful, green and eco-friendly city discussed the plans in detail, developed and amended them in order to be adopted in their final form. place at Issa Ziadeh Hall, in Ramallah Cultural that attracts investment and maintains natural Palace, with the participation of more than one and cultural heritage, as well as the promotion An Introductory Tour of Municipal Projects by the Municipal Council hundred figures representing the public and pri- of the status of Ramallah locally and interna- vate institutions and the private sector, including tionally. The participants presented their ob- The members of the new Municipal Council took a tour of the facilities of Ramallah municipalities, centers, cultural and youth clubs, servations on all the components of the draft Municipality with the participation of the executive management. During the tour , the associations, companies, governmental bodies, plan, modified it based on those observations, members were briefed on the projects that have been implemented those that are still in academic institutions and professional unions. and then the plan was officially approved by the progress, and their level of their progress. Participants focused their discussion on the municipal council. 15 The Construction and Rehabilitation of Public Squares:
The development of the infrastructure, Complementing the implementation of its vision to honor the leaders of the Palestinian national struggle, and as part of its plan to beautify the city, the Municipality gave the names of Palestinian leaders and national figures to zoning, and urban planning to contribute the main squares of the city according to the following: to economic growth Yasser Arafat Square The execution of the construction works of Yasser Arafat Square, a landmark of historical significance, befitting the memory Opening and Paving Roads Project The table below shows the street names and their lengths. of the martyr Yasser Arafat, consisted of two phases. The first phase was tiling the square with natural stones. The second phase was the construction of the middle circle that carries the words of the Martyr: “ Until one of our children raises the Length Palestinian flag over the walls of Jerusalem and the minarets of Jerusalem and the churches of Jerusalem” on a statue executed As part of its annual plan for the develop- Street Name Work done ment of infrastructure in the city of Ramal- (m) by the Palestinian Society for Contemporary Art embodying a Palestinian Child hoisting the Palestinian flag. The square con- lah, the Municipality, during the year 2012, Hamdi Husseini Paving 170 tains a waterfall symbolizing the giving and generous qualities of the martyr president. Both the Municipality of Ramallah and opened a number of roads, constructed Ahmad Al-Shuqeiri Paving 230 Al-Nidal Paving 360 the Cellular Communication Company (Jawwal) contributed to financing the project. Al-Sindiyana Paving 100 and paved streets, at a total cost of ap- Nimreen Paving 60 Al-Jaza’ir Paving 140 Being Jibreen Under Construction 60 proximately 5374412 shekels. Maxime Ghouki Paving 100 Samakh Paving 60 Samiha Khalil Paving 200 Al-Muntazah and Kareem Khalaf Square Athena Paving 1,000 Boulos Shihadeh Paving 370 Ramallah Municipality gave the name of “Kareem Khalaf ” to the Lina Al-Nabulsi Paving 110 Streets square located near the house of the late Kareem Khalaf in Tokyo Al-Razi Paving 160 Al-Nahda Al- Paving 1,000 Street leading to Ramallah Cultural Palace. This move comes as Madrid Paving 250 Nisa’iyah a tribute to the soul of the martyr Kareem Khalaf who is con- Havana Under Construction 500 Al-Falouja Paving 425 Paving of Ishak Michael st. Rehabilitation across sidered one of the most prominent national figures and was the al Sahabeh Mosque Yousef Al-Athama Under Construction 330 Part of Ishbelia St. Paving 260 Mayor of Ramallah 1976-1980.During this time, he was subject Ishac Michael and Part of Khalil Musa Paving 600 Paving 150 Bisan Streets St. to an assassination attempt by the Israeli occupation in 1980 then Jalil Harb Paving 350 Al-Ahli Hospital St. Paving 100 placed under house arrest. The square works included a work of art in addition to tiling, planting and completing the intersections surrounding the square in order to regulate traffic. 17 Rehabilitation of sewage Paving of al Muntazah st. network al Nuzha st. Paving of al Nidal st.
Other squares Sanitary Sewage Systems Construction and Rehabilitation project
Aziz Shaheen Square Bashir Al Barghouthi Square Al-Tireh sanitary sewage system project A Meeting to Negotiate Ramallah Municipality inaugurated Aziz Shaheen square, locat- Ramallah Municipality inaugurated Bashir Barghouthi the Progress of the Project ed in Massyoon Neighborhood, beside the “Garden of Na- Square at the intersection of Dar Ibrahim, Baten Al Hawa Sanitary sewage system Al-Tireh Water Treatment Plant tions” in the presence of a number of officials, public figures and Tireh Streets, in the presence of late Barghouthi’s Ramallah Municipality held a meeting with and Shaheen’s friends. Dr. Hanna Nasser, Chairman of the wife, Mrs. Bahija Barghouthi, his son, a number of pub- In 2012 the construction of the waste wa- In 2012 Ramallah Municipality issued a the citizens of Al-Tireh to discuss the Board of Trustees of Birzeit University addressed the audi- lic and renowned figures and Barghouthi’s friends. The ter (sewage) network was completed at a bid for the construction of a waste water progress of the Al-Tireh sewage system ence on behalf of the Shaheen family. There was a speech by official speeches were for Ramallah Municipality, the late length of 22 km, and a cost of $2,400,000 treatment plant in Al-Tireh. The treatment project. The mayor and members of the Ramallah Municipality and another by the General Manager Barghouthi’s son and the Secretary General of the Pales- from the Municipality fund and the Minis- plant will be built on the allocated land at Municipal Council, at the time, attended of the Bank of Jerusalem (Mr. Azzam Al Shawa at the time) tinian People’s Party as well as a speech by Abdulraheem try of Finance that offered its contribution a cost of 400,000 dollars. The plant will the meeting that was held at Al-Mustaqbal who had funded the construction of the square, and a third Mallouh, a member of the Executive Committee of the through the Ministry of Local Government. use the MBR technology which is consid- School hall, and confirmed that the proj- speech by Archimandrite Atallah Hanna. Speakers and audi- PLO, representing the different Palestinian factions. Mal- ered one of the finest techniques of water ect is one of the largest and most impor- ence praised the significant role played by the honorable Aziz louh praised the great national role played by the late Barg- Land for the Waste Water Treatment Plant treatment, where the treated water can tant projects executed by the Municipality Shaheen in establishing a number of educational institutions in houthi and his contribution to the national struggle. The Ramallah Municipality has allocated a piece be used in irrigation. Ramallah Municipal- because of its extreme importance to the Ramallah and its neighborhoods and his generous donations Municipality rehabilitated the square and displayed one of of land, an area of 5 acres in the area of ity signed an agreement with the coalition citizens and to the urban expansion in Al- in many fields to serve his city and citizens. A waterfall was the old stones that were used for pressing oil and that was Al-Tireh to build a waste water treatment comprising Eagle Company/Dubai and the Tireh. The attendees, in their discussion, included in the design of the square to represent the late Sha- brought from Abu Daho press. plant at a cost of 400,000 dollars from the local company Doracom for the execution stressed the need to accelerate the execu- heen’s generosity. Ramallah Municipality had signed an agree- Municipal Fund. of the project at a cost of 4 million dollars. tion of the second phase of the project. ment with the Bank of Jerusalem for financing the construc- tion of the square. Mr. Akram Abdullatif Jarrab, the Chairman Project Accomplishments of the Board of Directors of Bank of Jerusalem declared that it is the bank’s priority to support all sorts of investment in After the completion of the first phase of Palestine for the purpose of disseminating the benefit. the project, which is the construction of the waste water (sewage) network, it will be connected to the waste water treatment plant in August 2013 upon which the plant will become operational. This will signify the 19 completion of the project. Rehabilitation and Expansion of the Exist- n the year 2012 the rehabilitation plan of ing Sewage System the existing network was completed; 5 km of sewerage and 500 meters of rainwater New School projects Ramallah Municipality signs an agree- drainage. The following bids were execut- ment with the Municipality of Toulouse ed: to start the third phase of the rainwater 1. Rehabilitation of Asaad Jaghab in two Hajj Abu Wajih Tarifi School and sewage system project. phases. 2. Sewer lines in Sakakini and Nuzha Ramallah Municipality and HE Mr. Jamil establishment of this school to be his con- Ramallah Municipality signed an agree- Streets. 3. Exterior works of the sew- Tarifi signed an agreement for the estab- tribution in supporting the education sec- ment with the French Municipality of Tou- age system for the recreation center. lishment of “Hajj Abu Wajih Tarifi School”. tor and in memory of his late father. istry of Education and the Municipality louse through the French consulting firm 4. Rainwater drainage and sewage pipes The signing ceremony took place in the During 2012 the municipality completed of Ramallah, and contains 18 classrooms “ACAD” for the funding and implementa- in Al-Sahel Street. Ramallah Municipality in the presence of a the processing of the tender documents in addition to the administrative facilities, tion of the third phase of the rainwater 5. Water drainage for Jaffa Street. number of senior officials. The municipal- for the establishment of the school. It will library, laboratories, arts and crafts cen- and sewage system project in the city of 6. Rehabilitation of the sewage system ity praised this important initiative which be built on a piece of land with an area ter as well as computer labs and all the Ramallah. The Municipality welcomed for the interior streets of the industrial moved Mr. Jamil Tarifi and his sons to pro- of 2340m2. The school will be 2700m2 exterior work including parking spaces. “ACAD” firm which has signed the agree- area. vide a large grant to create a school that and can accommodate up to 720 stu- The total cost for the implementation of ment on behalf of the Municipality of 7. Rehabilitation of public lavatories. bears the name of his father, the late “Hajj dents. It is designed according to the the project is nearly 1.5 million dollars. Toulouse, the French Ministry of Foreign 8. Regular maintenance work for the sew- Abu Wajih Tarifi”. Tarifi considered the standards and requirements of the Min- The school is supposed to open in 2013. Affairs and the French water company age system, water treatment plant, Adour Garonne for providing 105000 Eu- pumping stations and the public utili- ros for financing the project. ties of the Municipality buildings and Ein Munjed Primary School for Boys schools for the year 2012. Ramallah Municipality allocated a plot of land with an area of 3794 square meters for the establishment of the Ein Munjed School for Boys, which is located in Parcel 18. 90% of the building works for the school have been completed. It is funded by the German De- velopment Bank (KFW) under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. The school is expected to open in 2013. 21 Al Manara Complex Project ed in the city center, near Manara Square multipurpose sports building that includes Ramallah Municipality and the Commercial on a plot of land comprised of 2,632 a special gym for the disabled on its ground Bank of Palestine signed a loan agreement square meters owned by the municipality floor. The Municipality has decided to build The Cultural Heritage and for funding the construction of the Manara (previously owned by the court). The proj- five floors at an area of 2500 square me- Complex. This agreement was signed by the ect consists of 15 floors and has parking ters each, above the disabled people’s gym Revival of the Old City project Director General of the Commercial Bank capacity for almost 445 cars. The complex which will be used as youth centers and of Palestine, Massoud Al Ardah, and former will be used as a parking lot for cars, in ad- halls of varying sizes, and to create a park The project has been initiated according to a memorandum of understanding signed in 2013 by Ramallah Municipality and the Riwaq Mayor Janet Michael, in a ceremony attend- dition to offices, shops, and a central ser- in the land adjacent to the complex. The Center, establishing a partnership between both parties that aims to preserve the architectural heritage of the City of Ramallah. The ed by the Minister of Local Government vice center, One Stop Shop. The estimated whole project is of total area 7260 acres organizations implementing the project are The Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation/Bethlehem, Riwaq Center/Ramallah, Cul- Dr. Khaled Qawasmi, Director General of cost of the project is 8 million U.S. dollars. and lies on the plots 10 and 14, basin 14 in tural Technologies/Amman and RehabiMed Association/Spain. The part of the project related to the protection issue has started and the Municipal Fund, Abdul Mughni Nofal, Ein al Kurzum, 30 Dar Jiryes neighborhood. the next steps will be completing the related studies and surveys as well as setting up a plan for rehabilitating and reviving the area in members of the Municipal Council, and the Ramallah Recreational consultation with all the stakeholders. executive management of Ramallah Munici- Complex Project The Ramallah Martyrs The Main Objectives of pality as well as deputy and members of the The exterior works of the recreational Monument Project the Cultural Heritage Project To raise Schools and community aware- “Heritage for Development: Investing in Board of Directors and of the Commercial complex (the second phase) have been In honor and memory of Ramallah’s mar- To set up a plan for the protection, ness about the cultural heritage issue people for the rehabilitation and manage- Bank of Palestine, its executive manage- completed at a cost exceeding 1250000 tyrs, the municipality has started the imple- rehabilitation and preservation of the In order to inform the different community ment of historic towns”, was to conduct ment and the media. Under this agreement, shekels from the Municipality fund. The mentation of the Ramallah martyrs monu- historic area and the stand alone build- sectors about the project and involve them a field survey of the historic buildings in the Commercial Bank of Palestine provides project comprised the yards and the out- ment project, located opposite the Ottoman ings through carrying out the necessary in it, an advisory committee was formed the old city of Ramallah. Among the most the Municipality with a loan worth up to 3 door playgrounds including the planting and Court building in the old city. The project, studies and issuing the legislations that comprising representatives of the local com- important findings of the survey were: million dollars for the construction of the wall painting works. The complex contains which is funded by brahim, Muyassar and Ali ensure their protection, in cooperation munity and various relevant institutions, as determining the numbers of old buildings first phase of Manara Complex, which is a sports hall (gym) which was built in 2011 Arouri commemoration committee is sched- with the relevant authorities well as representatives of Ramallah Munici- and modern buildings as well as identifying one of the proposed solutions to address at an area of 2400 square meters and a uled to be inaugurated in summer 2013. To set up a plan for the rehabilitation pality and Riwaq Center for Architectural the deserted, semi-occupied, demolished the traffic crisis in the city. The Municipality and revival of the old city Conservation. In its first meeting, the com- and semi-demolished buildings. In addition thanked the Ministry of Local Government To build and develop the capacities of mittee emphasized the importance of the to the survey, demarcations were added, and the Commercial Bank for their contri- the Cultural Heritage Unit staff in the project to revive and develop the old city. empty spaces were identified to be studied bution to the success of the project which Municipality One of the stages of the joint project be- in Al-Mustaqbal, a mechanism was setup is in the national public interest. To provide technical advice regarding the tween Ramallah Municipality and Riwaq for streets naming and numbering ready to So far the tender documents for the proj- historic buildings owned by the Municipality Center for Architectural Conservation be transformed to GIS maps. 23 ect have been issued. The project is locat- The Cultural Heritage Project Team Visits Spain The Enhancement of the Traffic Conditions Development of the Lighting Network System The project team from Ramallah Munici- Ramallah Municipality, through its projects for improving the traffic infrastructure, pality and Riwaq Center, together with installed more than 300 traffic lights and regulatory traffic signs in different streets of Within its annual plan for the development and rehabilitation The decoration of the city on holidays and religious occasions representatives of other partners from the city. It also constructed a number of major intersections to facilitate traffic move- of the Lighting Network in Ramallah, the Municipality imple- Christmas Bethlehem and Salt travelled to Spain and ment and installed a number of speed bumps, according to engineering specifications, mented the following: As part of its annual plan for the decoration of the city dur- visited the cities of Barcelona, Girona, near schools, colleges and kindergardens. In addition, it painted and marked different ing Christmas, the Municipality of Ramallah has decorated Manresa, Besalu, Banyoles as well as the streets; this included pedestrian crossings, lane lines ,arrows and sidewalks of the city. The Supply and Installation of Streetlights in the New Streets the city for 35 days during Christmas,starting from the night French historic city, Bourbonnais. The aim of the city the tree was illuminated until the end of the holidays. These of the visit was to view the various tech- Designing and Constructing Intersections Ramallah Municipality has installed 67 new streetlights in dif- decorations included the areas in front of churches, the main niques and mechanisms that have been Ramallah Municipality has designed and implemented a number of intersections in ferent streets of the city. streets and squares, the Municipality facilities, the city center used in Europe in the past decades for the order to facilitate and regulate traffic movement. The intersections included the con- and the Old City. preparation and development of rehabili- struction and planting of traffic islands as well as the installation of traffic lights on the The rehabilitation and maintenance of the existing lighting tation plans for historic sites. The examples following intersections: network Islamic Feasts were very diversified depending on the 280 lighting units, 30 streetlights (poles) in different parts of Within its annual plan for the decoration of the city during preserved cultural heritage, the communi- the city, and the infrastructure of the streetlights in Jaffa St. Karim Khalaf Squares the Islamic feasts, the Municipality has decorated the city the ty structure, the financial means, the politi- were maintained and rehabilitated. In addition, 5 traffic lights Lod Street. in Ein Sam’an Area night Ramadan was announced until two weeks after Eid Al- cal will and the intervention of the various were rehabilitated; this included the installation of the new Aziz Shaheen Street Fitr. The city was also decorated during the five days of Eid sectors in these methodologies and their traffic lights and the development and programming of oth- Al-Adha, and five days after. The decoration included areas roles therein. The program of the visit in- Ass’aad Jaghab and Ein Monjed Streets ers. in front of mosques, main streets and squares, the Municipal- cluded meetings with mayors, architects Falouja Street/Industrial City ity facilities, the city center and the Old City. ,other officials , specialists in various fields The supply and installation of Al-Iza’a St. streetlights as well as field tours to different sites to 36 decorative lampposts were supplied and installed, includ- verify the results on the ground. ing the foundation work needed. 25 Healthy and Environmentally The program aims to honor the schools Friendly Schools Program of Ramallah that are successful in adopting Reinforcing and Improving Health procedures leading to promoting health and The project is part of the operational plans environmental awareness. The school win- of “Ramallah, a Healthy City” Project which ning the first prize is awarded the right to and Environmental Conditions has been implemented by Ramallah Munici- raise the flag of the “Healthy and Environ- pality since 2009 and which aims at promot- mentally Friendly School” for a whole year. ing the city of Ramallah as a healthy and The jury assigned for the program choos- environmentally friendly city according to es the three schools that are most distin- the standards of the World Health Organi- guished and committed to the program. two consecutive years. Ramallah Municipality Project for Environmental zation. In 2012, the project was carried out The program for the year 2012 included The schools that participated in the pro- Awareness with School Students in collaboration with the Ministry of Educa- activities that promote health and envi- gram were: tion/Ramallah and the steering committee ronmental awareness amongst students. The Evangelical Episcopal School, Al-Mus- “Ramallah Municipality Project for Environmental Awareness seph School, Evangelical Lutheran School, Al-Ahliyyah College, of the program which includes the Pales- Efforts have been made to involve parents taqbal High School, Ramallah Elementary with School Students” is considered one of the most prominent Al-Mustaqbal High School, Ramallah Elementary Boys School tinian Ministry of Health, Ministry of Na- and the local community in the program Boys School (UNRWA), Ramallah Ele- environmental awareness projects. Launched in 2007, this proj- (UNRWA), Ramallah Elementary Girls School (UNRWA), tional Economy, Ministry of Environmental ,to emphasize the continuity of the schools mentary Girls School (UNRWA), Ein Mis- ect includes the implementation of various activities that aim to Friends Girls School, Saint George’s School and Faisal Al-Hussei- Affairs, Palestinian Center for Research on and its commitment to the implementation bah Elementary School for Boys, Ramallah raise environmental awareness and make change in daily activi- ni Coeducational Elementary School. Energy and Environment, World Health of the program after one year. At the end Secondary Boys School, Friends School for ties, in accordance with the environmental concepts that have The project was concluded with an honorary ceremony held Organization, Governorate of Ramallah Je- of a project, the winning schools are hon- Girls, Saint George’s School, Aziz Shahin been addressed in the Palestinian educational curriculum. The in the Ramallah Cultural Palace, during which the most distin- rusalem Water Undertaking for Ramallah, ored and awarded monetary prizes under Secondary Girls School, Faisal Al-Husseini project for the year 2012 was geared towards 1980 students be- guished schools in the project were honored. The results were Birzeit University/Institute of Community the condition that this amount will be in- Coeducational School, Ramallah Second- tween the ages of 6 and 9 in various Ramallah schools. The ac- as follows: and Public Health, “Ma’an” Development vested in an environmental school project. ary Girls School and Saint Joseph School. tivities were carried out with the cooperation of the teachers of First place: Evangelical Episcopal School, jointly with Saint Joseph Center, Palestinian Agricultural Relief, Joint Prizes are distributed as follows: The three winning schools for the year grades 1 to 3 who have been trained at the beginning of the year School Service Council for Solid Waste Manage- First place: 12,000 Shekels 2012/2013 were as follows: in a workshop designed specifically for the project. Second place: Faisal Al-Husseini Coeducational Elementary School ment, Network for Environmental Organi- Second place: 8,000 Shekels First place: Ramallah Secondary Girls School A total of 10 schools participated in the project for the year Third place: Saint George’s School and Ramallah Elementary zation, Palestinian Civil Defence, Palestinian Third place: 4,000 Shekels Second place: Ramallah Elementary Girls 2012, including The Arab Evangelical Episcopal School, Saint Jo- Boys School (UNRWA) Food Industries Association and Rafah Bank An additional 2,000 Shekels are awarded School which donated the first prize. to the school that wins the first place for Third place: Saint Joseph School 27 The Environment mallah Elementary Boys School (UNRWA) trees and increasing green areas. The camp Celebrating Arbor Day ate and Ramallah Police on regulating the it also provided a trained driver to oper- Drama Competition and Saint Joseph School included several events and activities that operation of road side stalls in order to ate it. The mechanical broom is actually a The outstanding schools in the competi- were implemented in cooperation with minimize traffic problems and facilitate the truck equipped with a sweeping and vac- The drama competition was announced tion for the year 2012 were as follow: the Environment Quality Authority, Minis- movement of citizens. Regulatory prac- cum cleaning system capable of removing at the beginning of the school year 2011- First place: Evangelical Episcopal School try of Health, Palestinian Energy Author- tices had been particularly intensified dur- solid waste up to a weight of 4 kg, and 2012. The competition, which is directed Second place: Ramallah Elementary Girls ity, Ramallah Directorate of Agriculture, ing the last days of Ramadan and the day of cleaning 3 km of street length on both at students of grades 5 and 6, aims to raise School (UNRWA) Civil Defense, Water Authority, Right To before Eid. Additional Municipality inspec- sides in an hour. The Municipality covered environmental awareness amongst stu- Third place: Saint Joseph Play Organization, Jabal Al-Nijmeh Cen- tors (exceeded a total of fourteen) were 50% of the broom cost from its own bud- dents. The Ramallah Municipality worked Honorary Trophy for the Best Student ter, Young Artists Forum, the Joint Service Ramallah Municipality organized the Ar- assigned for the task. They made great ef- get while the Ministry of Local Gover- on developing the drama skills of students Actress: Zaina Nabhan (Ramallah Elemen- Council for Solid Waste Management and bor Day activities for 2012 in collabora- forts during late night hours in order to nance contributed the remaining amount and teachers through providing specialized tary Girls School) the partial support of the German Agency tion with the Directorate of Agriculture of move the stalls away from the City Center through the Ministry of Finance. trainers in Theater Arts for the partici- Honorary Trophy for the Best Student Ac- for International Cooperation (GIZ). Ramallah and in the presence of Janet Mi- and direct them to Al Maahed Street. pating schools. The drama sketches were tor: Salah Nazzal (The Evangelical Episco- 120 youngsters, aged 11-14 -year-old par- chael, Mayor of Ramallah at the time, and evaluated by a committee that included pal School) ticipated in the camp which took place a number of the former Municipal Council Iman Aoun, Art Director of Ashtar The- on the 18th of July, 2012. As part of the members. Students representing the En- ater, and George Ibrahim, General man- camp’s activities, “Friends of the Environ- vironmental Club of the Healthy and En- Ramallah Municipality buys a new ager of Al-Kasaba Cinematheque Theater. ment” group was formed. This group acts vironmentally Friendly Schools Program mechanical broom for street cleaning The seven participating schools were: The Fourth Environmental as a link between the Municipality and the participated in these activities by planting Faisal Al-Husseini School، The Evangeli- Summer Camp (2012) local community and works on raising the forest trees in Dar Jiryes cemetery. A total In order to increase the number of streets cal Episcopal School, Al-Mustaqbal High awareness of students towards global of 14 schools took part in this event. included in the cleaning service, the Mu- School, Saint George’s School, Ramallah The Fourth Environmental Summer Camp environmental issues. During the camp, nicipality bought a new mechanical broom Elementary Girls School (UNRWA), Ra- is part of the Ramallah Municipality cel- an environmental drama sketch was pro- for sweeping solid dirt and dust on streets; ebrations of World Environment Day for duced and a mural was drawn in the fam- the year 2012 which comes under the ily garden. In addition, the students of the Regulating road- side stalls slogan “Green Economy, Does It Include camp produced two songs about the envi- You?” This camp aims to promote the pro- ronment. Throughout the year 2012, staff of Ramal- tection of nature from the dangers threat- lah Municipality had worked in coopera- ening it, by encouraging the planting of tion with Ramallah and Al Bireh Governor- 29 The Public Health Control in Restau- Rehabilitation of Al-Bayyara Park rants, Poultry and Fish Shops Public Parks Project Ramallah Municipality together with the Bank In order to ensure healthy conditions in the food In order to provide the best service for park of Palestine, Welfare Association, ANERA, facilities of the city, the Unit of Follow-up and In- visitors, and due to the congestion of the parks and the Muna and Bassem Hishma Founda- spection of the Municipality performs rounds of during the previous summer, the Municipality, tion opened Al-Bayyara Park in Ein Munjed inspections to butcheries , fish and poultry shops. through its City Beautification Department, has Distric. Ramallah Municipality allocated a This is done in cooperation with the Public Health issued a bid for the following: supplying new 1100 square meter plot of land for the park. and Safety Committee, which includes the Gov- playground toys and rehabilitating old ones, in- The opening ceremony was attended by the ernorate, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Na- stalling decorative fences in different places of Mayor of Ramallah at the time, Janet Michael, tional Economy and the Ministry of Agriculture. the city, supplying and installing park furniture Chairman and General Manager of the Bank The aim of these inspections is to ensure that including benches, tables, and shading canopies of Palestine, Hashem Al-Shawwa, Deputy the animal sources of the meat are slaughtered in different parts of the park ready for the visi- Governor of Ramallah and Hamdan Barg- in certified slaughterhouses, under veterinary su- tors at the beginning of the new year. The multi- houti, and Director of Programs and Proj- pervision, and are suitable for human consump- purpose hall at Yousef Qaddoura Park has been ects in the Welfare Association, Khaled Al- tion. In addition to that, the hygiene conditions of equipped for birthday parties and other differ- Daoudi, as well as Paul Butler from ANERA. these facilities are also inspected. ent activities. Al-Bayyara Park’s project that was launched Several inspection visits were carried out in 2012, The project included the following parks: Yousef in the governorates aims to construct a series and as a result of that, large quantities of food were Qaddoura, Garden of Nations, Al-Khulood, Al- of more than 40 playgrounds for children. destroyed because they were either expired or un- Zaitounah, Ein MizRub, Kamel Al-Ajlouni, Al- Ramallah Municipality thanked all its sup- suitable for human consumption. These inspection Qasr, The Family, the Ottoman Court and the porters for their cooperation in construct- visits were extended to restaurants to ensure that basketball court. ing the park as well as their contribution in food safety code was followed. This includes in ad- In addition to that, decorative rails were installed the whole project (Al-Bayyara),mentioning dition to the quality of food, the hygiene and ven- in Radio Street and Mahmoud Darwish Square. that this project is in line with the objective tilation of the restaurants. Recently, the commit- of Ramallah Municipality to construct a play- tee has obliged all shawerma restaurants to place ground in each neighborhood which increas- the shawerma skewers indoors, and protect them es the green areas and provides playgrounds from dust and insects with glass panels. for Ramallah’s visitors and children. 31 San Fernando Park Radana Forest Weeding and pruning project
In the presence of the Spanish Ambas- Within the plans of Ramallah Within the plans of Ramallah Municipality to beautify the city and as part of its annual plan for 2012, the Municipality employed two sador, Ramallah Municipality opened San Municipality to conserve and workers for four months starting May 1st, 2012 until August 31st, 2012 to work on cleaning and weeding the streets, sidewalks and traf- Fernando Park in Baten Al-Hawa. The broaden the green area, the fic islands, as well as pruning the sidewalk trees using a crane for the high ones. 584 trees were planted in different areas and streets, dry park is a 550 square meters piece of land municipality has decided to cre- stone walls were constructed and covered with concrete, the soil was ploughed and trees and flowers were planted in all the gardens, that includes family seating areas and ate its first forest park, Radana squares and facilities of the Municipality. The local community contributed in weeding, pruning and decorating a number of institutions, playground toys. The park is handicap- Park in Ein Misbah District (the including the Directorate of Local Governance, Ramallah Secondary Girls’ School, Aziz Shaheen School, Huwari Bou Midyan School, friendly and was constructed with the Forest). The piece of land allo- The Palestinian National Council, The Prime Ministry garden and Al-Mustaqbal Schools as well as doing the gardening work and planting support of San Fernando Municipalities, cated for the park is of an area the various Municipality facilities (Ramallah Cultural Palace, Ramallah Public Library, the Ottoman Court, Ramallah Municipality Park, which signed a cooperation agreement of 7 acres entirely planted with One Stop Shop, the Family Garden, The Municipality building and the cemeteries). with Ramallah Municipality in 2004. high and dense forest trees. The first phase of the project which started in mid June 2012 included the rebuilding of the Ramallah plant nursery dry stone walls, preparing the land, and constructing pathways The Municipality staff pays daily follow up vide seeds and saplings. The nursery has and stairways as well as provid- visits to the plant nursery in order to pro- been provided with pesticides, fertilizers, ing the garden furniture for the vide the Municipality and its facilities with disinfectants and all the necessary tools park which included benches, the necessary seedlings. Development for production. To increase the available etc. The second phase includes works have been carried out in 2012 to space of the tables used for producing constructing service utilities, increase the productivity of the nursery; seedlings, extra flooring was purchased cafeteria, car parking, and other these included building retaining walls and for these tables, bringing the capacity to elements that ensure a secure stairs connecting the different levels, lev- more than 3000 cups. The total number and comfortable visit of the eling the internal nursery roads and cre- of seedlings produced in 2012 was 50260 park. The park is expected to ating a garden for mother plants to pro- distributed as follows: be open to the public in mid 2013. 33 Leasing the cafeterias of the Munici- Anti-stray dogs and pigs The Regional Dumping Site pality gardens Due to the increased public health threats Throughout 2012, the Joint Services Council worked on obtaining all necessary licensing to start a regional dumping site project; this in- As part of the Municipality’s efforts to and noise complaints received by Ramal- cluded the transfer of the land ownership to the Council. Authorities were provided with all the necessary documents including the final maintain its facilities and gardens and to lah Municipality regarding stray dogs and evaluation study of the environmental impact and all related maps and initial design studies necessary to obtain the license. The process provide all possible services to the citi- pigs in the city, the Municipality launched was followed-up in the relevant departments such as the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Civil zens, it announced its willingness to lease a campaign through the Follow-up and Affairs. Regarding the land acquisition, the Council agreed to provide the Ministry of Finance with a letter of commitment stating that the cafeterias of some of its facilities. Ac- Inspection Unit. This campaign started in the Council would compensate the land owners according to the price agreed upon between the land owners and the rentals unit in cordingly, several specialized companies May 2012 and lasted until November of the Ministry of Finance. Moreover, contracts were signed regarding the development of the operating system, the preparation of final submitted their proposals which were that year. The campaign consisted of four designs, and the supervision of the project. The environmental impact study was approved by the related departments in Ramallah and examined by the Municipality and the can- inspectors from the Municipality, a licensed Governorate, and the facility is expected to operate in mid 2015. didate satisfying the set conditions was sharpshooter, and several policemen who selected. The cafeterias that were leased were supplied with the proper security were those of Qaddoura Gardens, Ramal- equipment. A large number of stray dogs lah Cultural Palace, the Municipality Park, and pigs were targeted and shot through- and the Sports Center. The agreements out the city; especially in the neighbor- The Closing of Ramallah Dumping Site and the Transference signed with the lessees stated the prices of hoods where the complaints were most of the Solid Waste to Zahrat Al-Finjan Dumping Site in Jenin the products to be sold in these locations prominent. to ensure that they were fair and accept- Within the Municipality’s efforts to terminate the use of the dumping site facility in the industrial city as it lacks health conditions, the Municipality signed an agreement with a specialized company to construct a waste transfer station for disposing the waste at Zahrat Al- able. According to the terms of the agree- ment, the cafeterias should not sell Israeli Finjan site in Jenin. The current dumping site which has been put in use 35 years ago is on the verge of collapsing and lacks the proper products and should support the sale of hygiene conditions and all other components that limit pollution in the surrounding area. In light of all this, the specialized company Palestinian products. completed the construction of the waste transport station in May 2012. Since then, the company has taken responsibility of loading the waste on special tracks and transferring it to Zahrat Al-Finjan site in Jenin. To reduce the quantities of daily transferred waste which amounts to 70 tons, the Municipality started sorting out the recyclable materials such as cardboard, plastic, metal and glass. This dump- ing site is a temporary fix until a more permanent solution for a site is reached, such as the transport of waste to the regional dumping site facility of Ramallah and Al Bireh Governorate or the signing of an agreement with a specialized waste treatment company to turn the waste into fuel oil or black carbon. 35 The Cultural and Community Infrastructure Projects
Contributing to Cultural & Ramallah Municipality and the Mahmoud Darwish Foundation open the Mahmoud Darwish Museum, “Al-Barwa Park”
Community Development Under the patronage of President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad opened the Mahmoud Darwish Museum in Al-Barwa Park, in the presence of the chairman of the Mahmoud Darwish Foundation, Ramallah Municipality takes credit for transform- to become one of the most prominent festivals in Yasser Abd-Rubboh, the Governor of Ramallah and Al Bireh, Dr. Leila ing the cultural act from mere cultural events to a the city. Ramallah Municipality introduced the first Ghannam, Mayor of Ramallah at the time, Janet Michael, a number of real broad and integrated project. The Municipali- version of the park events program “Yalla Ala Al- ministers, public and national figures, citizens and visitors of the city. ty has very early embraced the global transforma- Hadiqa” and reactivated with its partners “Nuw- The opening took place on Mahmoud Darwish’s birthday/the National Pal- tion, represented in involving local government in- war Nisan” Festival for children. It also introduced estinian Culture Day. The attendees toured the park, which contains large stitutions in the cultural act thus working towards the second version of the Ramallah International areas, pools, and a Speakers’ Corner. They opened the museum building, ending the official authorities’ monopoly. The Voluntary Work Camp, which was marked with which includes an electronic library containing the late Darwish’s books Municipality was capable of playing an organizer, the participation of a selection of youngsters from and Darwish’s tomb. The Municipality staff pays daily follow-up visits to Al- partner and supporter role in the cultural project. Jordan and Lebanon. In 2012, the strategic plan Barwa Park for the purpose of gardening, cleaning, and keeping it secure. The cultural role played by Ramallah Municipality for the Children’s Municipal Council was set and is well aware of the strategic, developmental and preparations were made for the launch of the community dimensions, therefore it is divided be- electronic agenda of cultural work in Ramallah. tween the expansion and rehabilitation of the in- frastructure, and the dedication of wide space to In terms of infrastructure, Ramallah Municipality, the cultural act, to reach out to all the people and in 2012, restored Hosh Qandah Garden, rehabili- involve various social sectors. During 2012, the tated Issa Ziyadeh Hall in the Ramallah Cultural role of Ramallah Municipality was dedicated to Palace, launched the global “ Dialogue Café ” in the Palestinian cultural movement in general, and the Ottoman Court building, and set the develop- to that of the city of Ramallah in particular. “Wein ment plan for the Ramallah Library, which will be A Ramallah” Festival events have distinguished it implemented in 2013 and 2014. 37 The Science Museum Ramallah Cultural Palace The Memory of Ramallah Museum 629 for the children’s section. The num- the media. As amateur bloggers began to ber of people who visited the library was gain experience, they started sharing their As part of its strategic plans, Ramallah In 2012, the Municipality opened the caf- As part of the strategic plan of the Munici- 6,612, of which 1,650 were children, while private observations and commenting on Municipality has decided to establish an eteria of the Ramallah Cultural Palace. It pality to develop the cultural infrastructure the number of new members was 492. them until they became critics of the politi- interactive science museum to attract the also equipped Issa Ziyadeh Conference of the city, the former Municipal Council The library’s possessions of books, refer- cal, cultural and community practices, and city’s children and visitors. In response to Hall, which is considered as one of the approved the Memory of Ramallah proj- ences and periodicals increased as 1,800 other real-life issues. Other bloggers such the Municipality’s invitation, a delegation best well-prepared city halls for meetings, ect. Ramallah Municipality selected a Pal- new titles were bought, of which 376 were as Asma’ Al-Ghoul from Gaza were subject from Naples Municipality and the City of conferences and workshops. The capac- estinian evaluator to develop the project. acquired through the grant provided by the to external pressures due to the content of Science City in Naples visited Ramallah in ity of the conference hall is 200 people, At the same time, the Municipality bought Abdel-Hamid Shoman Foundation/Jordan, their material. 2012 to discuss establishing a Children’s and it is equipped with the highest tech- a piece of land, a house, and a historic which amounts to 2,000JD presented to the Science Museum in the city. In accordance nical specifications in terms of audio and building to be the museum premises. Palestinian libraries on the sidelines of the Cultural Journalism Seminar with that partnership and the concept of display equipment. In addition to that, the Eighth International Palestinian Book Fair. partnership between the city organiza- hall is fully air-conditioned and contains Ramallah Municipality organized a seminar tions, the ministry of Education, Birzeit tables that can be transformed into differ- Seminars at the about the cultural journalism in Palestine in University Department of Architecture, ent configurations according to the needs. Ramallah Public Library which the Mayor, at the time Janet Michael, Al-Nayzak Organization, Abdel-Mohsen The hall offers catering services through Britain and Spain, in addition to other local members of the Municipal Council, and a Al-Qattan Foundation, Elham Palestine, the cafeteria of the Ramallah Cultural Pal- events such as movie premiers for Pales- Young Bloggers in Palestine group of journalists attended with a keen and Dr. Sabri Saydam, Advisor to the Pres- ace. Since its opening, the Ramallah Cul- tinian women directors from Shashat Mul- interest in the cultural aspect of the city. The ident for Communication and Technology tural Palace has hosted the most impor- timedia Productions. In addition, musical Ramallah Municipality held a seminar en- seminar that was moderated by Dr. Amer Affair, were invited to discuss the vision of tant cultural, art, political, educational and concerts from the Edward Said National Ramallah Public Library titled, “The Young Bloggers”, during which Badran, included important interventions the project. The fundamental idea was to academic events throughout the year. The Conservatory of Music, Al-Kamandjati As- the speakers discussed the status of blog- made by Dr. Ahmad Rafiq Awad, Professor build an interactive museum not restricted events implemented during 2012 were sociation for Music, Palestine International Ramallah Municipality, in its annual plan for ging in Palestine through the experiences of Media at Al-Quds University, Journalist to one building and to execute the build- 123 in which the participants were 70, Festival and the Festival of Contemporary 2012, approved the development project of of Palestinian bloggers in the 48 territo- Yousef Al-Shayeb, Tawfiq Al-Issa, Editor of ing process in phases. The first meeting re- 0000 excluding the Palestine International Dance were hosted. Furthermore, the Ra- the Ramallah Public Library on the adjacent ries, Gaza and the West Bank. The blog- the cultural page in “Al-Haya Al-Jadeeda”, sulted in the decision to form a small com- Festival, which was hosted in the court- mallah Cultural Palace hosted the launch- piece of land that was allocated for this pur- gers agreed that the idea of blogging and its and Abbad Yehya, reporter of the cultural mittee to follow-up on the project and the yard of the palace. ing ceremonies of the different political pose. The number of books checked in and application was primitive at the beginning section in the Lebanese newspaper “Al- best ways to implement it. The Ramallah Cultural Palace also hosted factions, literary conferences and exhibi- out of the library in 2012, were 4,207 of and its content was limited to what was Akhbar” followed by interventions from international events from Norway, France, tions of Palestinian artists. which 3,578 were for the public library, and already published in the newspapers and other journalists and the audience. 39 The Ottoman Dialogue Café Project electronic communication. The project is Story-telling project “Ihna A Maw’idna” The Family Park as a space for community run through giant screens that are used by and cultural activities Court and the Ramallah Municipality has launched the school and university students, social, cul- The Ottoman Court Library resumed the story-telling project, “Ihna Dialogue Café project which connects tural and educational organizations, users A Maw’idna” which is directed towards the students and children In addition to being a children’s playground, the reading projects the city with nine world capitals through in medical centers as well as mayors, thus of the city all year long in different parts of the Municipality parks. Family Park in Batn Al-Hawa hosts various tem- real-time communication technology. The creating business networks that focus on Throughout this project, the children meet weekly with the narrator porary and permanent projects and events. The The Ottoman Court continues to carry project contributes to the transfer and mutual concerns and daily life issues. on Saturday evenings at 6 o’clock. The activity goes on for an hour Family Park acts as a practice space for prominent out its basic function as a children’s library. exchange of knowledge and experiences during which folk and international stories are told and related art- groups that do not have a place to practice , such It was provided with 2000 story books and among different sectors of the Palestin- The “Encourage Reading” project work is presented. as Wishah band for folklore dance, Funooniyat educational games, as it received hundreds ian community and their counterparts group, and Al-Shuhob group which separately use of school students during 2012. Some of in other parts of the world. The speedy To encourage reading during the summer the Family Park building for one to two days a week the schools in the city held their library les- transfer of information through this tech- holidays, the Ottoman Court library held during the afternoon, throughout the year. sons in the Court as well. nology creates the feeling that the people meetings with some of the parents’ coun- During the summer, the Family Park is used as the The Ottoman Court continues to be a communicating are sitting face to face. cils in a number of schools, Environmental Camp headquarters, which is held place for the meetings and activities of The four partners implementing as an experimental step for one month by the Municipality’s Department the Children’s Municipal Council. It also the project are Cisco, Ramal- to assign books to certain of Health and Environment. The Family Park also hosted various events and activities of Ra- lah Municipality, the Palestinian age groups (from KG1 until hosted part of the program “Yallah ‘Al Hadeeqa” mallah Municipality along with activities of Business Women Forum, and grade 6). The list of stories in 2012, where part of the story-telling program other institutions in the city such as the the Palestinian Telecommu- and books was printed, and took place. In addition to that, the Committee of events of “Wein a Ramallah “and “Yallah nication Group. What marks distributed to parents, to en- Employees and Laborers of Ramallah Municipality al Hadeeqa” projects. It hosted different the project as a truly unique courage their children to read celebrated Labor Day 2012 there. workshops including school workshops, and leading initiative is the fact during the holidays. This step Tens of workshops, NGO formal meetings and film screenings, theatre performances that it is the first network to also prompted parents to other events are held inside the building of the and Al Jidariyat Project for children, car- utilize a very developed elec- bring their children to the city Family Park. Moreover, various schools and kin- ried out in coordination with the Ministry tronic system and the first in libraries, including the Chil- dergartens of the city held their recreational open of Education. The Ottoman Court is also the area to permit the ex- dren’s Library of the Ottoman days in the park throughout the year, not to men- used as a public park during the afternoon change of ideas and experi- Court and the children’s sec- tion the tens of birthday parties for children up to throughout the year. ences through face to face tion of Ramallah Public Library. 6 years of age. 41 Programs & Activities Nuwwar Nisan Festival for Children Wein A Ramallah 4
Around 3,000 children from Ramallah Schools including ties lasted for three days under the title “Taq Taq Taqi- The Fourth version of “Wein A Ramallah” festival for towards the success of the festival by making the nec- those with disabilities participated in the events of Nu- yeh”. The theme of the festival was Palestinian Folklore, 2012 was launched on the 24th of June and lasted until essary preparations for its activities as well as provid- wwar Festival 2012, which was launched in the old city under which the children expressed themselves through the 30th. The festival events were distributed on the ing a distinctive group of volunteers. of Ramallah. According to the festival program, the chil- drawing and pottery workshops as well as folk story- public spaces of the city. Graffiti was the theme of the The festival was opened with the Ya’lou Show – Habib dren were distributed on neighborhoods of the old city: telling , song and Dabkeh shows. In addition, the festival festival, through which all its events emerged from. All Shihadeh Hanna, with a group of musicians from Haifa Dar Jiryes, Al-Shaqra,and Hosh Qandah neighborhood, included a book fair. activities including musicals, dance shows, plays, exhi- and was concluded with Munyati – Nay Al-Barghouti the yard of Tamer Institute for Community Education, Ramallah Municipality had signed a Memorandum of bitions and workshops revolved around that theme. from Ramallah. Between the opening and the conclu- and Sareyyet Ramallah. The children entered the festival Understanding with Tamer Institute for Community Graffiti was chosen because it is a visual art related sion, the festival included the following shows: gate, passing through the streets of the old city. Poetry Education, First Ramallah Group and the Folk Center to people’s concerns and daily life issues. The festival - The Palestinian Folklore Dance Festival, Al-Minassa excerpts of various Palestinian poets were displayed on to organize the festival events. During the signing cer- events were visited by a large number of people. The performance by Remplin - France, Simples – Germany, the walls of the city. Kiosks for displaying arts and crafts emony, the Municipality praised the aforementioned city’s diversification was apparent in the showcase and Dam – Palestine in collaboration with Kamandjati were spread in the site of the festival to show tradition- organizations for their active role in the city, as well as area as well as the shows presented. The festival was Association for Music, Goethe Institute, the French al arts and crafts. Then the children participated in the all the youth, cultural and community organizations that held with the support of Abdel-Mohsen Al-Qattan Cultural Center, and the Municipality of Toulouse, - events that were organized by the festival committee, work on raising the level of services provided to the citi- Foundation, Bank of Palestine, Wataniya Mobile, and Performance by Hawa Dafi – Occupied Syrian Golan, which comprised Ramallah Municipality, Tamer Institute zens. It is important to note that Nuwwar Festival was Golden Wheat Mills. An important addition was the - Martha Fal – Norway, and Huda Asfour – Palestine/ for Community Education, Sareyyet Ramallah, and the organized in 1997 and 1998, and it is through the initia- formation of an 8-person committee of specialists America who performed her album “Rayha o Jay”, - Folk Art Center. The organizations that participated in tive of the Ramallah Municipality and its coordination and workers in the cultural and artistic fields of the Al-Rassif – Ramallah, - The Family Day “Tathawwaq the festival were “Right to play”, Kamandjati, Ramallah with the other partners that this festival is reactivated festival. The committee discussed the theme of the fi Ramallah” in collaboration with representative from Islamic Club, The Theater Center, the Children’s Mu- in accordance with the plan of the Cultural Department festival, the suggested groups and bands, the wages Sri Lanka, South Korea, Germany, France, Greece, nicipal Council, “Arraseef ” band, the German Cultural in the Municipality for involving all community sectors in of these bands and artists and accordingly made their India, Poland, Jordan, Brazil and Germany, - Perfor- Center and the Ministry of Education. The festival activi- the cultural activities of the Municipality. recommendations on the final program. All the de- mance by the Palestine Circus School, - Al-Shuhb partments of the Municipality worked collaboratively Band – Ramallah, - Korean Taekwondo Group 43 The Palestine Poster Children’s marathon tive win-lose marathon rather an activity Second Ramallah International Project Archives “Together We Can” that aimed to promote the spirit of belong- Volunteer Work Camp, 2012 ing to the city and contribution to its de- In collaboration with Park Center, Ramal- The children of Ramallah participated in velopment. This year’s marathon was distin- lah Municipality hosted the researcher the running marathon “Together We Can guished by the participation of parents who The Second Ramallah International Vol- Dan Walsh, Founder of the Palestinian 2012” which had been organized by Ramal- accompanied their children in running and unteer Work Camp, in its second edition, Poster Project Archives. Walsh toured lah Municipality for three consecutive years, walking the race. The children raised ban- was launched on July 9th, 2012 lasted until several Palestinian cities talking about the and sponsored by the National Beverage ners with the words “ Prisoners’ strike 18 July 17th, 2012. 91 local and international project, which he founded 30 years ago. Company “Coca Cola/Cappy”. The 1500 days” written on them to express their soli- participants of different cultural and geo- The importance of this project is to raise participating children came from the city’s darity with the freedom prisoners on hunger graphical backgrounds took part in the public awareness about the Palestinian is- public , private and UNRWA schools and strike and to be part of the public campaign camp. Participants from the Palestinian Di- sue and to keep it alive in people’s memo- colored its space with their red , green and launched in solidarity with all prisoners in Is- asporas (Jordan and Lebanon) along with ries. Walsh’s tours included the following blue sport uniforms. The children ran in raeli jails. The event was concluded with a participants from Arab countries( Tunisia, cities: Jerusalem, Ramallah, Nablus, Beth- three track lanes until they reached the fin- performance by INAD theatre group who Egypt and Lebanon) and other participants lehem, Jenin, Toul Karem, Al-Far’a camp ish line in the Evangelical Episcopal School presented songs in a fun atmosphere for from Italy, France and the United States and Haifa. playground where they all received their children with the participation of the artist came to Ramallah to join the camp. The winning medals as this was not a competi- Khaled Masou and the clown Muhannad. camp recorded a remarkable number of Union of Ramallah Municipality and volun- the Palestinian cities such as Jericho (spe- participants who came from Nazareth in teers from the occupied Syrian Golan. cifically the Jordan Valley), Bethlehem, He- addition to representatives from the city The voluntary activities of the camp in- bron, and other areas affected by the wall, of Ramallah clubs. The Municipality gave cluded a main project “Radana Forest” as well as a walk through the old city of the companies and institutions of the city as well as other activities such as painting Ramallah. The event was concluded with a the opportunity to participate in the vol- trees and sidewalks, general cleaning of concert for Dar Qandil band, during which unteer activities of the camp thus under the city, and building dry stonewalls. Par- the project partners were honored. The this category came the clubs of Ramallah allel to the camp activities, Ramallah Mu- great success of this camp was reflected in city, the Palestine Cellular Communication nicipality organized a recreational cultural the very wide media coverage that accom- “Jawwal”, the Palestine Red Crescent Soci- program, which aimed to introduce the panied the camp events, which surveyed ety and other cultural institutions from the participants to the Palestinian issue and people’s opinions and prompted them to neighboring villages as well as the Labor history. This included a series of trips to participate in the following years. 45 Ramadan Nights The Lighting of the Christmas Tree The Olives Fifth Festival
Ramallah Municipality illuminat- Heads of Churches of Ramal- Ramallah Municipality organized its fifth Annual Olives Fes- ed its annual Christmas tree in lah to discuss the preparations tival in partnership with the Environmental Education Cen- the presence of the Prime Min- for the lighting of the Christmas ter, Bethlehem University, and “Wasil” Center for Youth ister Dr. Salam Fayyad, Mayor of tree. The Council, represented Development, at the Al-Harjah Market in the old city and Ramallah and Dr. Leila Ghan- by Archimandrite Elias Aw- was attended by citizens and tourists of Ramallah. The nam, ministers and Mayors of wad, Pastor of the Roman Or- partners of the festival were: “Wasil” Center, Bethlehem several municipalities, officials, thodox Church, Father Raed University, Saint Joseph’s School, Al-Mustaqbal Schools, national and religious figures as Abu-Sahlieh, Pastor of the Al-Raja’ Lutheran School, Al-Ahliyyah College, Mr. Soheil well as local families and visitors. Holy Family Catholic Church, Jaber, Ramallah and Al Bireh Governorate , Police Depart- At the beginning of the event, Father Abdullah Julio, Pastor ment and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. The events phrases of the Holy Bible were of Church of Our Lady of the of the festival comprised the opening of kiosks that sold recited by Father Raed Abu- Annunciation, Rev. Imad Had- olive oil and handcrafts, and musical performances by the Sahlieh, pastor of the Holy dad, Pastor of the Evangelical bands of Saint Joseph School, Al-Mustaqbal Schools, Al- Ramallah Municipality organized a series of Ramadan nights for this year, Family Catholic Church. During Lutheran Church, Rev. Hanna Raja’ Evangelical Lutheran School, Inad Theater, The Big which included a performance by Al-Quds Band for Arabic Music in co- this event, the attendees lit can- Dalleh, Pastor of the Evangelical Dream choir of Al-Ahliyyah College, Al-Hadaf Center operation with Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, and which dles and listened to the caroling Episcopal Church. Father Farah from Bi’ Leen Tarsheeha Band and the Admirers of Sheikh took place at the Rashed Haddadin Yard across from the Municipality of the children of Saint Joseph’s Badr, Assistant Priest of the Imam Band, as well as the bands of Hadaf, Wasil, Handala, building. The band performed a variety of Asmahan’s songs in memory School, Al-Raja’ Evangelical Catholic Church, Ghassan Zi- Taghareed, Danadeesh, and Funooniyat for Folklore Arts. of her 100th birthday. Furthermore, Dar Qandil Band from Toul Karem Lutheran Church, Al-Ahliyyah yadeh, Secretary of the Coun- presented a concert of patriotic songs at Yasser Arafat Square, attended College, Friends School, and cil, congratulated the Mayor by a large audience. The third night was a Sufi music night presented by Al-Ru’a Choir. It should be of Ramallah and its Municipal the Maqam band at Al-Omari Hosh. The Ramadan Nights Festival was noted that Al-Wataniya Mo- Council for assuming their new concluded by the Jerusalem Singing Choir who recited Islamic songs and bile funded part of this event. posts confirming their support Prophetic praises at Al-Omari Mosque yard in the old city, where a large In this context, the Municipal- to the Municipality in carrying crowd gathered to sing along with the band in a spiritual atmosphere. ity received the Council of the out its duties. 47 The Children’s Municipal Council Activities louse Municipality – France, two students “Yalla Ala Al-Hadiqa” Program from the International Academy of Con- temporary Art – Palestine joined Higher This program, in its first edition aimed at Institute for Fine Art (HISK) – Toulouse involving park visitors (children, youth and to complete their higher studies in visual families) in the cultural and art activities in arts. In exchange, two students from the a systematic manner. Accordingly, activities Higher Institute for Fine Art attended the and events were held at Yousef Qaddoura International Academy of Contemporary Park, Daraj Al-Al-Tireh Park, Nations Park, Art – Palestine for one semester. In ad- Al-Qaser Park, Kamil Ajlouni Park, The dition, a student from Al-Kamandjati As- Ottoman Park, The Family Park and Ein sociation for Music, and another from MizRub Park. The activities included story- In cooperation with the Children’s Munici- nicipal Council of Jericho and a number of the Edward Said National Conservatory telling, interactive theatrical performances, pal Council of Ramallah, a workshop was teachers from the city schools. The meet- of Music are pursuing their education at musicals, and other popular activities. held to set up the Council’s strategic plan ing aimed at reinforcing the democratic the Higher Institute for Fine Art. The ex- for the years 2012 and 2013 and was led by action in Palestine through the Children’s change process is based on the nomina- Dr. Varsen Azokistan. The Council’s activi- Municipal Councils in order to include tion of a candidate from each institution. ties included voluntary participation at the all the citizens in the democratic process In collaboration with Trondheim Munici- fourth Ramallah Municipality Environmen- starting from the early years of childhood pality, Norwegian artist Martha Fall per- tal Summer Camp 2012, “Wein a Ramallah and throughout the school years. formed at the fourth “Wein A Ramallah” 4” Festival 2012, and the Ramallah Inter- festival, along with the band, “Hawa Dafi” Palestinian Youth Week national Camp for Volunteer Work 2012. from the Occupied Syrian Golan. Further- The Council also organized an animation more, with the collaboration of Toulouse Upon a presidential decision urging the Palestinian Government and the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports to organize the Palestine workshop, which was held in the Otto- Municipality, the Consulate General of Foreign Exchange Programs National Youth Week within and beyond the country, the event was launched on November 14th, 2012, in cooperation with Ramallah man Court Building, and was supervised France and Goethe Institute, the French Municipality and the participation of the Palestinian community youth. The aim of the event was to commemorate the martyrdom of by Abdel-Mohsen Al-Qattan Foundation. band “Remplin” participated in the events the late leader Yasser Arafat as well as the Independence Day. The National Week included a variety of sports, social, cultural, art and Furthermore, the Council’s Board of Di- Ramallah – Toulouse of “Wein A Ramallah” Festival along with scout performances. rectors held a meeting at the Family Park Through the cooperative relationship the German band “Simples”, and the that was attended by the Children’s Mu- between Ramallah Municipality and Tou- band “Dam” from Palestine. 49 Supporting cultural and commu- “From Family to Family” Campaign. ers the establishment of Ramallah in the nity organizations This campaign is a joint initiative launched 16th century as an agricultural village and by a number of institutions (Ramallah Mu- its development throughout the years, in- Organizational Development & The Municipality offers annual support nicipality, the Ministry of Social Affairs, cluding the periods of World War I and to the activities held in the city either by Birzeit University, the Palestinian Voluntary the British Mandate. The study is based Capacity Building for Achieving providing the Municipality facilities or by Work Committee, and Municipality) aimed on the Municipality records, the Ottoman contributing a small amount of money as at supporting our people in the Gaza Strip. census records, the records of the Sharia financial support. In addition, the Munici- This campaign is based on the principle of Court in Jerusalem, and books written by Operational Excellence pality facilitates the events for some cul- in-kind donations provided by the families foreign travelers and missionaries who had tural and art organizations in public areas in the West Bank to the Gazan families. resided in the city for many years as well as Ramallah Municipality has been vigorously working on the fulfillment of its vision to achieve operational excellence internally, thus re- through the following: The campaign has acquired the Municipal dozens of studies on the Ottoman era in flecting the significant efforts exerted to gain citizens’ satisfaction and simplify procedures. Within this framework, the Municipality has Theater of Ramallah Municipality and the Palestine. accomplished the following: Supporting the Central Events in Ramallah. Is’ad Al-Tufoolah Center of Municipality as The second phase of the study related to In this context, the Municipality supported places for collecting donations. The cam- the period of the British Occupation and One Stop Shop tions were installed at the One Stop Shop, cedures and follow up of citizens’ various both the Palestine International Festival and paign was well-received by the families, Mandate was completed and its first ver- (Customers Service Centre) namely in relation to the annual municipal matters at the municipality. the Ramallah Festival for Contemporary merchants and schools of the city. sion was issued, to be revised and pub- service fees enquiry and submission of Dance, which were organized by the Folk lished in 2013. With the aim of enhancing its absorptive complaints, enquiries about engineering, Art Center and Sareyyat Ramallah. In addi- In addition, a book was written about the capacity and facilitating the reception of a crafts and industry transactions and proce- tion to that, the Municipality facilitated doz- life of the son of Ramallah, the politician greater number of citizens and custom- dures, as well as the reception and follow Internal Development ens of events, which took place in public A historical Study of the City of and activist, Hanna Issa Khalaf. The book ers, the Municipality has expanded its One up of complaints and suggestions by the places either through the coordination with Ramallah and its Municipality presents Khalaf ’s social and political views Stop Shop, which is located at the Munici- Complaints Unit. Furthermore, a new ser- Technical Development, Upgrading of the relevant departments, or by providing on the Arab-Israeli conflict and his radio pality’s building. Nine new fund collecting vice was added enabling citizens to enquire Equipment and Internal Telecommunica- the mobile theater owned by the Munici- In order to document the historical story speeches and articles, as well as a variety points were added, two of which were al- about their annual municipal service fees tion Network pality, or by assisting the organizations in of the city of Ramallah, the Municipality of photographs and historic documents located to the collection of fees, especially electronically through an online system Ramallah Municipality developed and up- putting up their posters, such as the Young carried out a study under the supervision that he left behind. during the promotional discount period that provides a user name and a password. graded its electronic systems to maintain Artist Competition (Abdel-Mohsen Al-Qa- of a specialized researcher on the history on the annual municipal service fees. A In total, ten fund collecting points and em- effective services to citizens, and facilitate ttan Foundation) and the Popular Theatre of the city of Ramallah and its Municipality machine for customers numbering system ployees are available to directly serve the the implementation of various program- events for people with special needs. under the Ottoman rule. The study cov- is also available. In addition, various sec- public, as well as facilitate and ease pro- ming systems. A new Hardware Firewall 51 system has been installed for the internal procedures of all employees. This step is formance and the provision of feedback, eral difficult economic situation Palestinians are facing, Ramallah Mu- Internal Numbering Project electronic network, computers, and serv- part of the Municipality’s aim to fulfill one of reflecting, hence, positively on the overall nicipality has employed more than 60 workers on special program ers. Furthermore, a new server has been its key objectives related to institutionalizing work performance and atmosphere. contracts. Due to the increasing number of visitors to Ramallah city Within its vigorous effort to enhance its services, and as part set up, specifically for all municipal databas- work procedures, instigating and enhancing during the summer, which is also accompanied by the need to inten- of the administrative and operational benefits perceived from es and their software applications, ensuring an organizational culture, as well as devel- sify existing services, especially in terms of solid waste collection, the implementation of the naming of city streets project, and thus higher speed for the various program oping systems. Within this framework, vari- workers have been employed as groups to clean roads in all the vari- numbering of its building, the Municipality has decided to de- operations, as well as saving employees’ ef- ous internal sessions were organized with Working Hours and Uniforms ous city neighborhoods, over two shifts (From 7:00 A.M to 2:00 P.M, velop further this process, by naming and numbering buildings forts and time. The municipality has fur- the participation of the executive adminis- and from 2:00 P.M to 9:00 P.M). that have more than one household and establishment. Upon ther installed All in One Touch Screen in its tration and employees to discuss these sys- A new working hour management system Work has been intensified in the city center, specifically, which is assessing the strategic dimensions of the internal numbering reception area, enabling citizens to enquire tems, and their key objectives. has been initiated, interlinking the vari- usually crowded with large number of citizens and visitors during the process, as well as setting up the technical specification and a and print their own bills electronically. On ous municipal facilities with a central sys- day and the late night hours. Furthermore, these additional teams fo- detailed action plan, the Municipality has installed, in Novem- the other hand, a new upgraded database tem that provides information and timing cused on expanding cleaning street areas that lacked sufficient work- ber 2012, numbering plates in all Ramallah buildings. has been instated to serve and support the of employees working hours. The system ers throughout the year, in addition to cleaning land areas and stairs Although the internal numbering of building is not within the installation of all new programs identified Employees’ Performance will ensure more flexibility to facilitate the in various city neighborhoods. Municipality’s specialization, the Municipality employed its as part of the Municipality’s Strategic Plan. Appraisal System work of employees and determine their own human and financial resources, strongly believing in the Moreover, the new telecommunication working hours. Moreover, the municipal- importance of the unification of the numbering mechanism system has been activated employing the ity has distributed an official uniform for at the city level, in accordance with international standards, “Voice Over” IP (VOIP) technology. Within the framework of the development of comprehensive human resource sys- all workers to unify outfits and present a Training of Volunteers and Fresh Graduates and its role in contributing to the creation of a local common tems, Ramallah Municipality has completed professional image to the public. culture of understanding. its employee’s performance appraisal sys- Strongly believing in the integration of the academic and practical The internal numbering as per the Municipality vision grants training of students, and as per its community responsibility towards every citizen a full private address consistent with internation- Human Resource Systems tem, with the participation of various man- agement levels. A number of recommenda- developing the education and youth sectors in Palestine, Ramallah al standards, thus, supporting the Palestine Post in its quest tions and outputs were integrated into the Labor and Employment Municipality received, during the year 2012, more than 30 interns to develop the postal code for each household and establish- With the aim of developing comprehensive system in its first reading. Employees per- Opportunities affiliated to special training programs in a number of colleges and ment at national level. The Geographic Information System human resource systems, Ramallah Munici- formance appraisal provides a real oppor- universities. Interns were trained in the various municipal depart- (GIS) played a pivotal role in planning the internal numbering pality has commissioned an expert to build tunity for both supervisors and employees With the aim of meeting the needs of ments, while Ramallah Municipality facilitated their work, providing system, namely in terms of determining quantities, course of the Municipality’s systems including all poli- to effectively communicate in terms of per- various municipal departments for more them with all the needed information about the services and the role activity, and numbers required for each office, as well as esti- cies related to human resources, and work manpower and bearing in mind the gen- of the municipality, as part of their research requirements. mating the level of effort, time and human resources needed. 53 E-Municipality Project
As part of its strategic orientation to shift with the aim of disseminating these expe- spatially related information and inputs. that include namely coverage, citizen’s in GIS”. With the aim of assisting other planning zone of the three cities. This from a traditional to an e-Municipality, ser- rience and lessons learnt for other munici- The GIS unit has provided Al-Bireh, participation, cost and income, direct municipalities in their mechanisms to will enhance the cities’ internal environ- vices to citizens and visitors are provided palities and local government units. Betunia and Nablus Municipali- and indirect benefits for the Municipal- adopt such systems and disseminating ment, and level of services provided to electronically, via a safe and accessible ties with the Terms of References ity facilities, quality of services, com- this experience nationwide, the paper sheep herders gathered in one place. manner. This has been achieved through The following activities were implemented: (TORs) adopted to sketch urban panies/company experience and reg- summarized the technical experience Representatives from the Prime Min- harnessing all available local technical po- plans, and integrate them within the istration, and timeframe proposed of in adopting the GIS at the Municipality, ister’s office, Ministry of Agriculture, tentials for the preparation of the munici- • Orientation of Al-Bireh, Betunia and GIS. They were also provided with implementation. including the employed methodology; Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate, pal infrastructure and enhancing the entire Nablus Municipalities on Ramallah a list of basic geographic layers that • Ramallah Municipality participates in key achievements accomplished by the Ministry of Local Government, Minis- complementarities between all administra- Municipality GIS and their provision were prepared, including the detailed the first International Conference on Unit, encountered challenges and pro- try of Planning, and the Joint Coopera- tive and operational systems. of the terms of reference to build a datasets of variables for each layer. E-Municipality in Palestine: Ramallah posed recommendations. tion Unit in the Ramallah, Al-Bireh and The previous Municipal Council has allo- similar system: With the aim of sharing • Ramallah Smart City Project: Through Municipality has presented a paper in • Ramallah Municipality proposes a joint Betunia Municipality participated in the cated 150,000 US$ for the project, as part experiences and methodologies, and this project, Ramallah Municipality the First International Conference on sheep farm outside the urban envi- planning of this project. of the 2013 budget, amounting, in conse- as part of the Joint Cooperation Units seeks to translate its vision to enhance E-Municipality in Palestine that took ronment in cooperation with the Joint • Ramallah Municipality’s GIS website re- quence, to 50% of the estimated budget at the Municipalities, representatives Ramallah city and its transformation place in Hebron city in June 2012, with Cooperation Unit, and in accordance ceives high interactions and apprecia- required. As part of the case study con- from Al-Bireh, Betunia and Nablus Mu- towards a Smart City. The project the participation of the Prime Minis- with GIS standards: Ramallah Munici- tion from the public at ExpoTech Ex- ducted by the German International Co- nicipalities were briefed on Ramallah provides citizens and visitors with in- ter, Dr. Salam Fayyad, and a number of pality adopted GIS methodologies and hibition: Ramallah Municipality’s section operation (GIZ) - the strategic partner Municipality experience in employing ternet accessibility, as well as connect- ministers, local and international may- tools in selecting suitable location for at ExpoTech Exhibition 2012 witnessed of the project – to assess the Municipal- the GIS. Throughout a series of meet- ing all facilities and public buildings with ors, as well as representatives from a joint sheep farm affiliated with the high level of attendance and interaction ity readiness, the implementation mecha- ings, participants were presented with internet network. Thus, the Municipal- Palestinian and international local gov- municipal joint cooperation units of from visitors. The Municipality’s nisms of all services are being analyzed as the detailed methodology and mecha- ity has gathered initial concepts from ernment authorities. Represented by Ramallah, Al-Bireh, and Betunia cities, • Participation in the exhibition well as the compatibility of the Municipal- nisms for adopting the system, includ- companies interested in this project, the head of the GIS and Information and in accordance with the standards stemmed from its strong belief that ity infrastructure, electronic systems and ing sketching urban plans, building the aiming at achieving its vision in a cre- Technology Unit, at the time, Dr. Safa approved by the technical project com- technological events encourage net- human resources to move to an effective digital tools for the various municipal ative and highly efficient manner. A Dweik, who is currently the GIS munic- mittee. The project aims at solving the working between the Municipality as and well-studied transformation from a departments, as per their research and technical expert committee has been ipality consultant, a working paper was problem faced from the elevation of a service provider and the promotion traditional to an e-Municipality. The study information needs, as well as display- established, and started assessing con- presented at the conference, entitled sheep, through the creation of a com- of its electronic services to its pub- tools and mechanisms will be documented ing, modifying, upgrading and analyzing cepts professionally, based on criteria “The Ramallah Municipality Experience mon model farm outside the urban lic. Ramallah Municipality is considered 55 as the first municipality nationwide to establish an electronic website, newly launched, specifically dedicated for its GIS application (www.ramallah-gis.ps). The Municipality also participated in the Exhibition through the production of gifts holding Ramallah name, and produced by Ramallah Tourist Infor- mation Center, one of the municipal facilities. Dr. Salam Fayyad, the Prime Minister, and Dr. Hussein Al-Araj, Head of the President’s Office, and Ms. Safa Nasser El-Dein, Minister of Communication visited the Municipal- ity section expressed their admiration for this pioneering step. The GIS website allows querying dif- ferent variables, including sites, ad- Interactive Tourist Map: Ramallah Municipality has completed the Interactive dresses, lands, neighborhoods and Tourist Map at the GIS website roads available at the municipal geo- graphic database. The website aims www.ramallah-gis.ps at adopting the GIS tool in manipu- The Interactive Tourist Map documents all principal Ramallah sites and links them lating, documenting, analyzing and with the descriptive information available at the Municipality, such as full name, preparing all spatial information for function, working hours, telephone, fax, website if available. Featured key sites the benefit of municipal employees, include municipal facilities, gardens, hotels, banks, ATMs, gas stations, pharmacies, agents, customers and the society at hospitals, restaurants and cafes, governmental organizations, and partner organi- large. zations with Ramallah Municipality. The website allows citizens to add their places of work, companies and other relevant information. 57 Enhancing the Capacity of Employees International Participation Local participation Participants Places Titles of workshops and conferences Activity Participants Osama Muselh Jordan Design of Asphalt Mixes using Super Pave Management and business organizations for office managers and Rana Estephan, Iman Farah, Oulfat Shaheen, Muna Abu Shariha, Hanan executive secretaries Rafidi, Hanan Shunara, Jumana Waree Nuha Ghneim Indonesia Training progress for professional project management Control and Management of Supplies Fadi Elian Ahmad Abu Laban Korea Development of local government management in Palestine Program Financial and administrative audit and role in the reduction of financial and administrative Study and analysis of bids Saleh Azar Maher Natour Istanbul corruption Data processing and modeling Amina Abu Al-Rub Osama Hamdeh, Oday Hindi Egypt Preparation of arbitrators in local and international construction contracts Study and analysis of bids, and Project Implementation Management Maher Al-Natour Slueiman Ghneim Turkey The legal and cultural organizational frameworks for combating corruption Tax File management Sahar Shteieh Fadi Abu Farha Jordan Operation and maintenance of wastewater plants Data complementarity Amina Abu Al-Rub Osama Hamdeh, Isah Sayegh, Anas Solar and renewable energy technician Majed Kilani Jordan Joint traffic planning workshop Hassan, Samira Abu Ghazaleh Practical implementation of the standard contractor’s contract Nuha Gheim, Osama Musleh Safa Duewik Beirut GIS Prospective in Palestine workshop Networking services Amina Abu Al-Rub Trondheim, Sami Awaidah, Ahmad Khatib City beautification experiences Data security Farah Kasbari Norway Computer networks Farah Kasbari Bordeaux Mu- Hamza Awawdeh nicipality Paris- Training about tourist information/participation in the Paris Tourism Fair Anthology Amina Abu Al-Rub France Khamis Zananeeri, Mohamad Ismail, Mahmoud Turkman, Osama Matar, 3D AutoCAD Khaled Ghazal France Exposure to wastewater treatment plants Jawad Ibrahim, Anas Hassan, Tareq Qawareeq, Ma’moun Qasawreh 59 The Norwegian City of Trondheim Celebrating the International Work- Ramadan Iftar Feast for Workers, Hosts a Delegation from Ramallah ers Day Employees and Previous Council Employee Recognition and Honoring of Retiring Personnel Municipality on Beautification of Members the city Celebrating the International Worker Day, Ramallah Municipality honored three of its retiring employees through organizing an event the Municipal Workers Union organized a As part of an annual tradition, Ramallah at the Municipality, which was attended by the previous Municipal Council, employees As part of the joint activities between ceremony for this specific occasion that Municipality organized an Iftar feast for its and workers. Retiring employees and those with outstanding job performance received the two Municipalities, the Municipal- attended by workers, employees, and the employees and previous Municipal Council trophies in recognition and appreciation of their efforts. The Acting Mayor, at the time, ity of Trondheim in Norway hosted Sami previous municipal council members. The members during the holy month of Rama- Eng. Mahmoud Abdallah, expressed his gratitude and thanks to all retired personnel - Awaidah, Head of the City Beautification, Union referred to the particularity of the dan. Furthermore, the Holy Family Church Husni Daraj, Hussein Attallah, and Mohammad Faqih, who have spent more than sixteen and Ahmad Al-Khatib, supervisor of the Palestinian labor movement that is engaged of the Latin Patriarch organized an Iftar years serving at the municipality – stressing that their efforts left a special and significant gardening unit. The delegation was briefed in both the national and workers struggle. feast for Ramallah Municipality workers, imprint serving the city of Ramallah. about the designs of some of the new gar- The Municipality congratulated its work- thanking them for their efforts to main- Furthermore, Eng. Mahmoud Abdallah expressed his gratitude to all employees receiv- dens that are subject to universal design as ers, thanking and appreciating their efforts tain the city clean. The Municipality also ing an outstanding assessment for the year 2011. These included Khamis Zananiree, Iyad part of their characteristics, which enables in serving their city. During the celebration, expressed gratitude for the Holy Family Nakhleh, Mahmoud Salmeh, Sleiman Sleiman, Abdallah Faroukh, Jawad Barghouti, Jihad all community groups to participate in and various employees were honored, includ- Church initiative towards the Municipality Hamdan, Abdel Muneim Nad, Rani Faroukh, Munzer Deiss, Farah Kasbari and Khaled benefit from public parks and spaces. The ing the prisoners, Mohammad Dawaoud, workers demonstrating a live evidence of Nafash. He expressed that this initiative aims at encouraging all employees to give their delegation also met with a number of rep- Khaled Farraj, Hussein Atallah, and Hussni fraternity and love within the city. best to the city of Ramallah, as part of their job. resentatives in charge of the aesthetic and Daraj, in addition to four members from recreational activities. It is worth mention- the previous Board of Directors, Jamal ing that this visit falls within the exchange Anfous, Sahar Shteyeh, Mohamad Abdel experience between the two municipal All, and Assad Husari. At the end of the teams as part of the twining agreement ceremony, symbolic gifts were distributed between the cities of Ramallah and Trond- to all municipal employees. Ramallah Municipality Workers and Employees elect their Union heim, established since 2005. The following people won the elections elections of the General Assembly, con- Municipal Committee organizing the elec- of the Municipal Workers Union: Moham- sisting of 297 members. The number of tions, the Palestinian General Federation mad Faroukj, Odeh Tabakhna, Riyad Ham- candidates reached 20, including four fe- of Trade Union, the Independent Federa- mad, Said Abu Zeid, Khaled Nafash, Saqer males. More than 268 members partici- tion of Trade Union and the Democracy Hantsheh, Hanan Rafidi, Sultan Haboub, pated in the election process. The com- and Workers Rights Center. Eng. Majed Kilani. The committee super- mittee supervising the elections included 61 vising the elections opened the plenary members from the Ministry of Labor, Allotment of Seats in Colleges and Hosting the Voter Registration Center Discount Promotional Campaign Fixed Assets Project in terms of revenues and expenditure of Universities Dedicated for Ramallah schools and administration. A copy of the Municipality Ramallah Municipality hosted the Voter Registration Center to upgrade information for In order to encourage citizens to pay service During 2012, the Municipality completed budget was provided to the General Di- their municipal election that was conducted on 25/10/2012. The Elections Committee fees, a discount promotional campaign was the inventory and assessment of its fixed rector. The budget was approved by the As part of an annual procedure announced used an office at the Municipality to receive citizens, register and update their informa- launched at the end of 2011 and beginning assets. A new program has been installed, Lore Committee that referred it to the in the local newspapers, and within the tion. of 2012, entailing annual discount on service on which all assets and properties were Municipal Council for approval. The Com- framework of an existing agreement be- and lore fees. The discount process started entered, as well as financially registered, mittee recommended addressing the Min- tween UNRWA and Ramallah Municipal- beginning in January 2012 up to April 2012. It automatically calculating depreciation by ister of Education to confirm its approval ity, 10 seats were dedicated to students included 30% discount on 2012 fees, as well the program. This facilitates work in the on purchasing a land suitable for a football A/001 who do not hold a refugee card to study Updating Mechanisms for Accounting and Financial Software as special discounts for prisoners and martyr future, enabling as well an easy access to field. The Committee also recommended in the Faculty of Educational Sciences, and families. On the other hand, the Municipal- municipally property, enquiry and follow developing a plan for the year 2013 to in- 10 seats in Al Tireh Women Community New upgrades on the income, revenue collection, accounting and ity resorted to the law demanding accumu- up of modification. The fixed assets pro- clude all activities and projects that can be College. Furthermore, 5 seats were allot- financial software were integrated, as new versions were installed lated fees over 50,000 NIS from citizens who gram was connected with the rental files supported by the Lore tax, then submit- ted to employees, 5 to their children, and on the Barcode system, with the aim of facilitating services for citi- failed to pay recurrently. At the end of 2012, of municipal properties and buildings, for ting the proposed plan to the Ministry of 10 for the city residents in Al-Quds Open zens upon payment of fees, and reducing waiting time, as much the Municipality announced the annual Dis- future querying and periodically update of Education for examination. University. All applications were received as possible. This system resulted in reducing pressure on rev- count Promotional Campaign on the annual information. and evaluated by a special committee con- enue collection, especially during the months from January fees for 2013 to benefit from discounts an- sisting of the Municipal Council and refer- to March. It also accelerated the payment process and the nounced by the new Municipal Council. ring to specific criteria. The list of accept- completion of transactions rapidly. Furthermore, correc-
Ramallah Lore Committee احل�شم الت�شجيعي لعام ed students was then published in the local tive actions on files during 2012 were processed via the احلرف على الر�شوم الدورية )النفايات، �شيانة املجاري، .newspapers Discusses a Number of Issues اإعالمكم بقرار املجل�س البلدي مبنح introduction of a new mechanism that examines lease files, which, in fact, facilitated modifying information Budgets Related to City Schools وال�شناعات واملعارف( وفق التايل: فرتة الت�شديد ي�شرنا �شهر كانون الثاينand the follow up process. 2012 2012 At the end of 2012, the 2013 budget was Ramallah Municipality discussed, with the ن�شبة احل�شم املمنوح �شهر �شباط 2012 �شهر اآذار 2012 �شهر ني�شان 2012 %20 prepared based on the budgets perfor- General Director of the Ministry of Edu- منح ح�شم خا�س لعائالت ال�شهداء اوالأ�شأمالك رى بن�شالبلدية بة يف 30 حال % الت�شديد يف %15 .mance. A plan was prepared and linked to cation Directorate, Deib Hadad, and Eng 10% اإ�شافية ل�شهر كانون الثاين و�شباط لل�شقق 5% اإيجارات -the objectives and sub-activities of all Mu- Khitam Hanoun, a number of items re 5 ٪ على عوائدمينح احل�شم يف حال ت�شديد كافة املبالغ امل�شتحقة نقدا. �شهر كانون الثاين 2012. • منح ح�شم احل�شم املعتمد. nicipal Departments (Refer to the annexes). garding the lore budget for the year 2013, 63 احل�شم ل ي�شمل10 %الر�ش وم الثابتة التي تدفع ملرة واحدة. • منح ح�شماملغلقة اإ�شبن�شبةافة ل 50 % احل�شم ل ي�شمل الر�شوم اخلا�شة باللوحات الدعائية. • املرتتبة عليكم ي�شاهم يف تطوير اخلدمات املقدمة لكم وان التخلف عن �شدادها �شيعر�شكم اآ�شفني للمالحقة القانونية. • • •املواطنون الكرام، اإن ت�شديد بالإمكان امل�شت�شديد تحقاتالر�شوم يف املواقع التالية: مركز رام اهلل املوحد خلدمات اجلمهور- البلدة القدمية
مبنى بلدية رام اهلل
.1 .2 Financial Audit be referred to the Ministry of Health for the Director of the Financial Affairs, Sulei- ratification. man Ghneim. The meeting focused on the The financial audit for 2011 was com- importance of promoting citizens aware- Promoting the Status of Ramallah pleted by Talal Abu Ghazaleh Company, ness regarding the payment of their fees to and audited financial lists were published enhance and develop delivered services, in in Al-Quds and Al-Ayyam Newspapers, Lore tax cooperation with the Property Tax De- Locally, Regionally & Internationally ensuring transparency. They were also During the year 2012, land and building partment. Mohammad Nofel stressed on published on the electronic website for appraisal has been upgraded in coopera- the importance of cooperation between ease of accessibility, for public enquiries. tion with the Ministry of Finance/Prop- the Municipality and the Property Tax De- Ramallah Municipality works on expanding communication bridges to internationally promote the status of Palestine and the Palestinian In addition, the budget for the year 2012 erty Tax Department. All fees and charges partment, especially in enhancing tax col- cause. The Municipality has worked hard to intensify its efforts at the national and international levels through the signing of agreements and was audited by Al-Wafa Financial Auditing related to the Lore tax and the annual lection through joint campaigns, promot- memorandum of understanding with international cities. This contributed in expanding the Municipality’s network of international relations, Company. maintenance for all governmental schools ing the collection of fees from citizens and and mobilizing financial, moral and technical support dedicated for significant projects implemented within the city. The Municipality has in ef- within the Municipality scope have been raising their awareness on the importance fect signed, in 2012, cooperation agreements with the Brazilian Porto Allegre Municipality, the Argentinean Buenos Aires Municipality and the registered. of commitment in payment of financial Turkish Sur Diar Bakr city. fees. The Municipality’s membership in the Through initiating and developing relations with international organizations, the Municipality participates in various activities, such as the host- Crafts and Industries Municipal Development and Lending Fund ing of the French-Palestinian Decentralized Cooperation Conference in 2012, the implementation of projects with European cities, tied with (MDLF) and its mechanisms to implement the Municipality in a twining agreement and partnership, as well as the organization of cultural exchange visits between employees, and the During the year 2012, all files related to Property tax Hosted by the awareness campaigns, were also dis- delivery of training programs with Ramallah organizations and other cities. the crafts and industries section were ar- Ramallah Municipality cussed. chived via a system that leads to the devel- opment of the craft, and facilitating access The Mayor of Ramallah Municipality, Eng. for licenses. The Municipality is in the pro- Musa Hadid, discussed a number of issues cess of transferring licenses, and, in close with the General Director of the Prop- coordination with the Ministry of Health, erty Tax Department, Mohammad Nofal, they will be approved from a health per- during the latter visit to congratulate the spective, through appointing a specialized newly elected Mayor and Municipal Coun- doctor. This will reduce the timeframe re- cil. The meeting was also attended by the quired for ratification, as licenses will not General Director, Ahmad Abu Laban, and 65 Locally, the Municipality seeks to build a tance of communication with Palestinians model in enhancing municipal relations of the Diaspora. It establishes relations with the local community. It has signed a through its participation in “Haithhe Ra- Signing of memorandum of understanding with the mallah” (“This is Ramallah”) magazine Ministry of Tourism, as well as a second published by the American Federation of version of cooperation agreement with Ramallah – Palestine, in addition of sup- Local and Nazareth Municipality, rendering it the first porting the annual visits that the Federa- of its kind at national level to pursue Pal- tion conducts in the city. The Municipality International estinian communication against all odds, also supports many of its active organiza- and against their concepts and cultural ex- tions. change. Furthermore, Ramallah Municipal- During 2012, the Municipality witnessed Agreements With the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities ity is linked with a partnership relation and an active movement and great interaction a community social responsibility with the with its public through its news, monthly Emanating from their strong belief of the various restaurants and hotel owners, and private sector, in terms of supporting ini- and yearly calendars, as well as the Ramal- importance of sustainable tourism in Pal- a number of members from the advisory tiatives towards city citizens. lah Tourist Information Centre publica- estine, the significance of partnership be- board of the Ramallah Tourist Information The Municipality focuses on the impor- tions. tween the public sector, the local com- Centre. This agreement aims at regulat- munity and authorities and the crucial ing work between the two parties, so that role of the private sector as a key inves- the Ministry can support the Municipality tor in the tourism sector, the Ministry of within its available capacities and resourc- Tourism and Antiquities has signed with es to safeguard cultural heritage, operate Ramallah Municipality a memorandum of the Ramallah Tourist Information Centre understanding. The signing ceremony that and transfer the Ministry experience to took place in Ramallah Municipality was the Municipality regarding the internal and attended by the previous Municipal Coun- external tourism, giving special attention cil, the executive management, represen- to Ramallah as a cultural center through tatives from the Ministry of Tourism and its festivals, municipal projects and private Antiquities, the Arab Hotel Association, sector investments in the city. 67 ganized a visit to the key historic, religious, in Brazil, Ibrahim Al-Zeben, the Assistant With the Argentinean Twining with the Turkish city and cultural sites, as well as the old city. It Secretary of State for American Affairs, Buenos Aires Municipality of Sur Diar Bakr is worth mentioning that the first signature and the ambassador Dr. Munjed Saleh. of the agreement took place in the city of Mr. Fortonaty expressed his desire to dis- Ramallah Municipality and the Argentinean In a visit of the Palestinian delegation to the people of the world, and, on the other Ramallah, where Ramallah Municipality cover Palestine and strengthen further ties Buenos Aires Municipality signed a coop- Diar Bark, Ramallah Municipality signed hand, it will aim at considering the city’s hosted the delegation from the Municipal- of friendship with the city of Ramallah and eration agreement at the Ramallah Cultur- a twining agreement with Sur Diar Bakr, experience in preserving the urban char- ity of Nazareth. its municipality, explaining that religious al Palace that hosted the Argentinean dele- one of the biggest cities in Diar Bakr. The acteristic as well as cultural and popular and cultural coexistence in Brazil, that has gation consisting of 30 members, including agreement was signed by the Ramallah heritage, since the city of Sur is more than With the Municipality of Nazareth different origins, was in fact the principal Argentinean Parliament and Municipal Mayor at the time, Janette Michael, and 8000 years old, and is considered as one of motivation for his visit to Ramallah, as a Council members, as well as businessmen, the Mayor of Sur Abdallah Dimrbas, in the the ancient cities with a particular historic Within the framework of enhancing the With the Brazilian Porto national duty of his city towards the Pales- lawyers, academics, and journalists. The presence of the Diar Bakr Municipality, Da- and cultural heritage. role of the two cities in serving their citi- Allegre Municipality tinian people, as well as part of the call for signed agreement entails enhancing the re- houk Mayour in Iraq, and the Mayor of the zens, through exchanging experiences, achieving peace and the expression of love lations between the two Municipal Coun- Turkish city of Çanakkale, who also signed promoting meetings between the inhabit- Ramallah Municipality signed a memoran- from Brazil. cils with the aim of establishing dialogue an agreement with the Municipality of Sur ants of the two cities, and improving social dum of understanding with the Mayor of During Mr. Fortonaty visit, the Secretary and joint action. Diar Bakr. On one hand, the agreement and economic relations, a delegation from Porto Allegre, Joseph Fortonaty, in the General of the President, Atayeh Abdel will promote developing the relations with Ramallah Municipality visited the city of presence of the Palestinian Ambassador Rahim, hosted him, and they visited the Nazareth. During this visit, a cooperation Memorial of late President Yasser Arafat. agreement has been signed and took place It is worth to mention that the Municipality at the Abu Salma Public Library, and was organized a tour to the city center, Mah- attended by Municipal Council members, moud Darwish Memorial, George Hasbah and the executive management forms both square, Yousef Qadura Park, and the Ra- municipalities. The Ramallah Municipality mallah Tourist Information Center. delegation was welcomed by the Mayor of Nazareth, Eng. Ramez Jarayseh, his deputy employees and the businessman, Munib Al-Masri. The Municipality of Nazareth or- 69 The Annual Conference of Asian Mayors Forum in Bangkok Promoting French-Palestinian Decentralized the American Ramallah Cooperation Conference Federation Palestine 2012 The Mayor of Ramallah, Musa Hadid, participated in the Asian Mayors Forum in Bangkok (Thailand), with other mayors from Asian cities aiming at establishing communication the status Ramallah Municipality hosted the French- the final statement for the Conference, The Ramallah Mayor, at the time, Janette mechanisms between Asian cities. The Forum focused on establishing a data bank to Palestinian Decentralized Cooperation and a Palestinian popular Dance show, the Michael, participated in the Annual Con- exchange experiences, discover challenges faced by Asian cities to find common mecha- Conference at a dinner coinciding with the Dabkheh, delivered by Dandyish Group ference of the American Ramallah Federa- nisms of follow up. The Mayor of Ramallah presented the key challenges faced by the of Ramallah conclusion of the conference, and in the from the Ramallah First Group. tion Palestine 2012 that was organized in Municipality, especially in terms of urban expansion and the increasing number of inhab- presence of the Head of the Presidential Participants in the dinner ceremony, which Orlando (Florida, USA). She presented itants, in addition to challenges faced by the occupation, environmental pollution and Office, Dr. Hussein Al-Araj, represent- was funded by AutoZone, the general the key projects implemented by the Mu- traffic. Internationally ing the President Mahmoud Abbas. The trade agent of Peugeot Motors, included nicipality, including the opening of the First Municipality confirmed that the success the Minister of Local Government, Khaled Bayara Garden, in partnership with the of the conference is the result of the sig- Qawsmi, Minister of Planning, Dr. Ali Jir- Bank of Palestine, Muna and Bassem Hish- nificant effort exerted by the conference bawi, Minister of Women Affairs, Rabiha meh Association, the Welfare Association organizers, stressing the cooperation as Diab, the French Consul, Frédéric Desa- and ANERA. She also presented “Planting well as the exchange of experience and gneaux , the Deputy of the Al-Bireh and a Tree” initiative. During this visit, the head friendship between the Palestinian and Ramallah Governorate, Hamdan Barghou- of Ramallah Club in San Francisco, Affif Al- French people. The Municipality recalled ti, the president of the French Palestinian baba, organized a ceremony, in honor of the cooperation and twining agreements Cooperation Network, Claude Nicolai, the Mayor, attended by Palestinians from with French cities, the last of which was and a number of official representatives Ramallah city. the signature with Paris Municipality, in ad- from Palestinian and French organizations. dition to the agreements with Toulouse, It is worth to mention that Ramallah Mu- Bordeaux, and Epinay/Seine, which are nicipality has conducted a presentation at considered as the most significant agree- the Conference held in Hebron regarding ments in terms of knowledge and experi- its relationship with the city of Bordeaux, ence, as well as project implementation in which resulted in the establishment of the the city of Ramallah. Official notes were Ramallah Tourist Information Center. delivered during this ceremony, along with 71 Participation in “Free Palestine” Forum in Brazil
A delegation from local committees participated in the Local Govern- French Mayor of the city of Rezé A Danish delegation ment Forum as part of the international forum in Brazil, entitled “Free Hosted by Palestine”. The delegation included two members from Ramallah Mu- Ramallah Municipality hosted the French Ramallah Municipality hosted a delega- nicipal Council, Faisal Darras and Omar Assaf, the director of Public Re- Mayor of Rezé, Gilles Rentière, who ex- tion from the Municipality of Aarhus in lations, Maha Shihadeh, the Mayor of Betunia, Ribhi Doleh, his deputy, Meetings with the Palestinian Ramallah pressed his willingness to cooperate with Denmark, consisting of its Deputy Mayor, Saed Nassar, Deputy Mayor of Hebron city, Judeh Abu Sneineh, Dr. Ambassador and Diaspora Ramallah Municipality in implementing joint Rubeh Ahmad, and three of its Municipal Salah Adeen Az-Zeeir, member of Hebron Municipal Council, Reema projects, especially as the city of Ramallah Council Members. The delegation ex- Kilanee, member of Nablus Municipal Council, and the Jerusalem del- A delegation from Ramallah Municipality met the Pales- Municipality witnesses a significant cultural and touris- pressed its interest in building coopera- egate, Dr. Yasser Amouri. The Forum was attended by more than 150 tinian Diaspora and the Palestinian Ambassador in Bra- tic development throughout the last years. tive relations with Ramallah Municipality. participants representing various mayors, municipal councils from Pales- zil, Ibrahim Zeben, to prepare the Forum, as well as to During the meeting that was attended by Aarhus is considered as the second largest tine and other countries. The Forum focused on three pillars: the city of discuss the detailed agenda, the role of each Municipal- the Palestinian Mayor of Al-Ezarieh, the city of Denmark, with famous universities Jerusalem, cultural heritage under occupation, and challenges faced by ity, and the final closure speech that was prepared and guest pointed out that the city of Ramal- worldwide. The city competes on the Eu- the Palestinian municipalities under occupation. presented by Ramallah Municipality. lah is lucky to have its people, geographic ropean Cultural Capital for the year 2017. location, positive openness, investment, The delegation was impressed by the cul- Meeting with the Mayor of Porto Allegre Key results of the Forum growth and prosperity. tural life in the city of Ramallah, expressing that its city is interested in exchanging ex- The delegation of local committees met the Mayor of Key results were reflected in Ramallah Municipality final closure speech periences with Ramallah, especially since Porto Allegre. During the meeting, Ramallah Municipal- that focused on establishing new relations with many participants from Aarhus has a large number of Palestinian ity discussed the proposed steps to follow up to devel- different Municipalities in Brazil and worldwide, as well as inviting Brazil- immigrants and refugees, and seeks to in- op the relation, and to prepare a proposed action plan ian Municipalities to visit the State of Palestine, inviting them to support tegrate and activate this Palestinian net- for the coming year as per the memorandum of under- the Palestinian cause and the right of the Palestinian people. The speech work/diaspora within the city community. standing that the Municipality signed with Porto Allegre also stressed on the importance of developing the sectors of educa- Municipality in February 2012. tion, economy, youth, and media, as well as of raising the awareness of people regarding the challenges faced by the Palestinian people and their institutions due to the Israeli Occupation. 73 South African delegation Palestinian Ambassador in Romania
Ramallah Municipality hosted a delegation from South Africa, represented by the Deputy The Mayor of Ramallah, Musa Hadid, hosted the Palestinian Ambassador in Romania, Minister of Local Government, the Mayor of Johannesburg, and the director of Local Ahmad Aqel, and discussed a number of issues relating to building cooperation relations Government Development Program and civil society at GIZ, Ulrich Nitschke . The Mu- with Romanian cities. The Mayor stressed on the importance of international relations at nicipality praised the positions of South Africa supporting the Palestinian cause especially political level to support the Palestinian cause and at service level to exchange experienc- noticing that Palestinian people are living the same colonial conditions suffered by the es and networks between international cities around different projects. The Ambassador people of South Africa. The Deputy Minister of Local Government in South Africa, You- noted that a twining and cooperation agreement between Palestinian and Romanian cit- nis Karim, said that his country is interested in enhancing the relations with the Palestinian ies is crucial to interlink cities at the popular level, with touristic activities and experience people, through the agreement that will be signed next July with the Ministry of Local exchange. Work is currently undertaken to network with Romanian municipality to sign Government in Palestine, stressing the full support of his country to the Palestinians and agreements with Palestinian municipalities, among which is Ramallah Municipality. their rights in establishing an independent Palestinian State acknowledged by the United Nations. French delegation from Toulouse Municipality
Ramallah Municipality hosted a delegation from the Municipality of Toulouse, which is American Federation delegation to Ramallah associated to the Municipality of Ramallah through a cooperation and exchange of expe- riences agreement. In the meeting, it has been referred that the new Municipal Council Ramallah Municipality hosted its visitors from the United States in a reception in honor headed by Eng. Musa Hadid, will work on developing a relationship with the Mayor of of many families from Ramallah living in the United States, as part of their visit through Toulouse. The Deputy Mayor of Toulouse, John Paul Makinju, responsible for the equality the American Federation of Ramallah. The president of the Federation, Terry Al-Ahwal, and pluralism file, expressed the gratitude on behalf of the Mayor of Toulouse for hosting thanked Ramallah Municipality for its hospitality. The following attended the meeting: the delegation, and stressed on the importance of the relationship with the city of Ramal- previous Municipal members, current Municipal member, Nijmeh Ghanem, and the Presi- lah. Makinju said, “The relationship of cooperation between the Ramallah and Toulouse dent of the Ramallah Union Association, Jamal Dughman. is one of the strongest international relations of Toulouse and is characterized by cultural development projects”. He added that the cooperation with the Municipality of Ramallah is a dynamic and active one since the signing of the agreement. 75 Delegation of Italian supporters ting to know the Palestinian situation on several joint ventures that could succeed the ground, which is different than hearing between the two sides. During the meet- Italian delegation of local government authorities The Mayor of Ramallah, Musa Hadid, and the news. He also referred to the signifi- ing, a movie was presented that includes a number of Municipal Council members cant role that Mrs. Morgantini plays in sup- an explanation of the most prominent Ramallah Municipality hosted a gathering of more than 30 Italian Mayors, more than 150 officials from Italy, and a number of represen- hosted a delegation of Italian supporters porting the Palestinian cause. On the other projects accomplished by Ramallah Munic- tatives from Palestinian Local Government Units. During the meeting, the relationship between Ramallah Municipality and the Italian headed by the previous member and Dep- hand, the delegation members expressed ipality. The delegation was also provided cities was praised, in reference to the cooperation agreements with both Naples and Citta di Castello Municipalities. The President of uty President of the European Parliament, their willingness and commitment to work with a number of booklets related to the the Union of Local Authorities, Issam Aqel, thanked Ramallah Municipality for hosting the meeting and the Italians friends for their visit, activist Louisa Morgantini. The delegation on enhancing the relation with Ramallah work of municipal and foreign relations. adding that local authorities request from Italian Mayors to exert pressure on the Italian government to enhance its support, partnership included a municipal member from Bolo- Municipality, to serve citizens and develop The delegation also visited the Ramallah and solidarity with the Palestinian people to end the occupation. Furthermore, a presentation of the most prominent achievements of gna city, Leonardo Bartshiko, and a group services delivered through the coopera- Tourist Information Center to get an idea Ramallah Municipality was undertaken through a short film and participants discussed common issues regarding local government bod- of organizations working for peace. The tion with Italian Municipalities. about the most prominent city activities ies. Ramallah Municipality organized a short tour for the delegation, visiting the Memorial of the late President Yasser Arafat, and the Mayor stressed on the importance of this and events during summer. Museum of the poet Mahmoud Darwish in Berweh Park. solidarity step, especially in terms of get-
Swedish parliament delegation
Italian Mayor of Milan Ramallah Municipality briefed the delega- tion consisting of members of the Swedish Ramallah Municipality received an Italian delegation consisting of the Mayor, Municipal Council members, and the Italian Consul General Parliament, accompanied by the Director in Palestine, Giampaolo Cantini. During the meeting, the Mayor of Milan expressed the readiness of his Municipality to cooperate with of the Social Affairs Department of the the Municipality of Ramallah, in many areas, especially since the city of Milan is similar to the city of Ramallah in terms of centralization PLO, Samir Seif, about the political, eco- of touristic, economic and cultural activities, expressing his admiration for the development of the city throughout recent years in the nomic and cultural development, and high- fields of culture and tourism. The Municipality has been handed a proposal for a cooperation agreement, to be signed between the two lighted the difficulties faced, especially in Municipalities. terms of the urban expansion and popu- lation increase. Members of the Swedish Parliament expressed their pride in the city of Ramallah and its rapid development and good planning, pointing to the existence of 77 Norwegian youth delegation World Bank delegation British Hounslow city, the twin of The participation of the Mayor of Ramallah with the Local Government Ramallah city, hosts the Palestinian Enhancing Unit Delegation in their visit to Jordan as part of their experience ex- Ramallah Municipality hosted a group Mission for the 2012 Olympic Games change about the Jordanian local government authorities of young Norwegians from the city of Trondheim, under a twinning agreement The British city of Hounslow hosted the the status The Mayor of Ramallah, Musa Hadid, participated in a tour to Jordan, that was orga- between the two cities. The mayor of Ra- Palestinian mission for the Olympic Games nized in coordination with the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GIZ) and mallah, Musa Hadid, welcomed the young 2012. During his meeting with the Pales- accompanied by the Minister of Local Government, Khalid Qawasmi. The visit aimed group, which included members of the Ramallah Municipality met a delegation tinian mission, the Mayor of Hounslow of Ramallah at identifying the Jordanian experience of the Ministry of Municipalities and Jordanian Norwegian party, a young Norwegian from the World Bank, comprising Ray- referred to the twinning relationship be- Village Councils in monitoring and supervising municipalities. The delegation visited candidate for the Parliament, the Nor- mond Bordeaux, responsible for the Pub- tween the city of Hounslow and the city the Municipalities of Irbid, Salt and Madaba and looked at their experiences, as local wegian activist, Venke Aarethun, and the lic Private Partnership (PPP) project, and of Ramallah, which is the only twinning in the Arab authorities, their relations with citizens and projects similar to those implemented coordinator of the relationship between Rinan Al-Muzaffar, projects and aid coor- between a British city and another Pales- by Palestinian Municipalities. The delegation also met the Minister of Water and the Municipalities of Ramallah and Trond- dinator for the private sector at the World tinian. Irrigation and the Municipal Affairs and discussed ways of joint cooperation and ex- heim. Ramallah Municipality had signed a Bank in the West Bank and Gaza. Mr. Bor- Ramallah Municipality expressed its grati- World change of experiences. The delegation visited the Greater Amman Municipality that twinning agreement with the Municipality deaux expressed interest in cooperating tude for the support of the Municipality of expressed its willingness to transfer its expertise to Palestinian municipalities. During of Trondheim (Norway), since 2005, and with the Municipality of Ramallah, particu- Hounslow to the Palestinian people, espe- these visits, Palestinian Mayors presented their own experiences, faced challenges considers the relationship between the larly in a number of aspects entailing the cially in welcoming the Palestinian Olym- and key achievements. two cities as the most active at the level exchange of cooperation in development pic mission. The Municipality referred that of linking institutions in the two cities and projects. The Municipality confirmed the it is working to activate its relations with networking between them in the fields of importance of the partnership and co- Hounslow in various fields, including net- culture and study. operation with the private sector to fund working between the two schools in Ra- projects implemented by the Municipality mallah and Britain, between civil defense to improve services in the city, referring in Ramallah and its counterpart in Britain. to various projects that need support and funding, and the possibility of cooperation in this context. The two sides discussed ways of cooperation in a number of vital projects and a mechanism to support local 79 government authorities in Palestine. Ramallah Municipality organizes a meeting with Arab ambassadors in A consultative meeting Hosted by the Chamber of Com- Jordan Enhancing with the Minister of Health merce and Industry of Nazareth
A delegation from Ramallah Municipality of Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, that tween the Ramallah Municipality and Arab A delegation from the Municipality of Ra- Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce met a number of Arab ambassadors in Jor- expressed their strong Arab blood rela- municipalities in the various areas of work, the status mallah met the Minister of Health, Dr. Hani and Industry of Nazareth for an Iftar feast, dan in order to achieve continued with the tionship as well as their interest to follow exchange experiences, transfer of exper- Abdeen, congratulating him on his new the delegation, consisting from municipal aim of enhancing relations with Arab cit- developments in the occupied Palestinian tise, in addition to the possibility of sup- position, and expressing the Municipality members and management teams of Ra- ies. The Mayor of Ramallah thanked the ef- Territories, and communicate with the porting a number of projects in the city. A of Ramallah willingness to cooperate with the Ministry mallah Municipality, was welcomed by the forts, cooperation and initiative shown by Municipality of Ramallah and expressed package has been provided to the ambas- of Health in many of the joint areas. The Mayor of Nazareth, Ramez Jarayse, the the Palestinian Embassy in Jordan to hold their willingness to support the Palestinian sadors including municipal infrastructure, meeting that was organized at the Ministry Mayors of a number of Palestinian towns coordination meetings between the mu- people. The delegation discussed with the cultural and economic projects, as well as locally of Health dealt with a number of key is- and members of the Chamber of Com- nicipal delegation and Arab ambassadors. ambassadors and their representatives in publications and a film about the city and sues regarding the Palestine Medical Com- merce. The aim was to strengthen the The Embassy through the Chancellor Ab- Jordan several issues related to network- municipal projects. plex in Ramallah. The two sides agreed to bonds of brotherhood and cooperation dul Hakim Zureiki arranged all meetings ing through the signing of memorandums continue further meetings to follow up on with Palestinians inside. During the meet- and coordination. of understanding, as well as cooperation issues of joint interests. ing, the municipality confirmed that citizens and twinning agreements with Arab cities, in the two cities are one people, despite The delegation met with the Embassies in order to enhance communication be- the occupation and difficult circumstances that separate them. Ramallah Municipality honored the Chamber of Commerce by a symbolic trophy representing their ap- preciation for the Chamber considerate initiative.
81 With the Union of Palestinian Developers
During a meeting held at the Municipality with the Union of Palestinians Developers, participants discussed a number of issues of com- mon interest. Ramallah Municipality encouraged investment in the city, according to the law. It was concluded at the meeting that Ramal- lah is witnessing a quantum leap in the process of development and investment, representing thus a challenge for the municipality and casting a great responsibility. And despite the differences in legal matters, they represent a right for both sides towards the development of the city. The Municipality demanded to abide by the laws and maintain the beauty of the city, its cleanliness and planning environ- ment, especially during project and real estate implementation and their completion. In turn, the participants of the Union of Developers praised the performance and achievements accomplished by Ramallah Municipality with respect to the establishment of the planning department, and the qualitative leap witnessed by the city center, gardens and squares.
83 An Honor worth of Ramallah
Honoring the Palestinian writer and novelist from Ramallah, Yasmine Zahran
Within the framework of its strategic plan, her country (Palestine) and the history of Ar- Ramallah Municipality honors the First Ramallah Ramallah Municipality honored key cultural abs. Ms. Zahran paved the way for thousands Group after winning several tournaments initiatives that had a prominent role at the Pal- of Arab women to complete their higher edu- estinian and international cultural scene in a cation abroad. ceremony held on 14/10 /2012 by the Munic- In her speech, Dr. Zahran expressed her love Ramallah Municipality organized a ceremony Eker, CEO of the Palestinian Telecommunica- ipality at the Cultural Palace in Ramallah. The and strong bond with the city of Ramallah that in honor of the First Ramallah Group after tions Company, and Maen Melhem, Jawwal’s writer, Yasmine Zahran, daughter of the city, represents “the symbol of life” for her. Al- winning the women football championships, General Manager, for their moral and finan- is one of the most important figures among though she has been travelling to tens of cities women basketball cup, the West Bank bas- cial support, and congratulated the teams on Arab women developing the Arab cultural en- around the World, Ramallah remains one of ketball for men, and the Basketball Beginners these great achievements during this year. At lightenment progression. The ceremony was the most beautiful cities. She noted that her Championship Cup. In the presence of Jibril the end of the ceremony, symbolic trophies attended by many of national cultural figures love and passion for Ramallah has motivated Rajoub, the General Secretary of the Supreme were presented to each team and received and citizens of the city. Ms. Zahran experience her to write two novels documenting the key Council for Youth and Sports, the President by their captains, to include Claudie Salameh, to enter the academic field is unique. She was sites in the city, including water springs, valleys of the Olympic Committee and President of for the female football team, Dalia Khader, a graduate of Friends School in Ramallah dur- and mountains, preserving them from loss and the Football Association, Mahmoud Abdullah, for the women’s basketball team, and Ibrahim ing the British Mandate and one of the first extinction. Dr. Zahran also noted that her var- the acting Mayor of Ramallah at the time, wel- Habash for the men’s basketball team. Finally, Arab women who graduated from Columbia ious publications about the ancient Arab his- comed Major General Rajoub for his support General Jibril Rajoub honored the First Ra- University. She gave to the education process tory aim at introducing the Western readers and efforts to continuously develop Palestin- mallah Group, the Municipality of Ramallah a particular importance in her life, and com- to a glorious and anonymous civilization, as ian sports and reach out internationally. Mr. and Jawwal, while the First Ramallah Group mitted herself in investigating the history of well as rectify any distortion in its perception. Mahmoud Abdullah welcomed Ammar Al- honored Ramallah Municipality. 85 Ramallah Municipality honors “Brothers Company” for General Contracting for competition of a Ramallah Municipality honors project before its deadline the Judge, Mohammad Ismail
Ramallah Municipality honored the Broth- Ramallah Municipality honored Judge Mo- ers Company for General Contracting, for hammed Ismail for his efforts in the Municipal its distinction in the completion of the(Jaffa Court of Ramallah, praising his performance Street) project before the deadline specified featured in the development of the Court, in the agreement. The ceremony was at- regulation and management of meetings in a tended by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry highly effective manner, his strong commit- of Local Government, Eng. Mazen Ghoneim, ment and his efforts in meeting with all inspec- the Director of Local Government, Safwan tors regarding the delivery of communications Halabi, the Mayor of Ramallah at the time, Ja- according to standards. This had a significant net Michael, the company’s president, Bashir impact on the performance of the inspectors. Hanani, members of the municipal council Judge Ismail also expressed his appreciation at the time, the President of the Federation and gratitude for this step, referring to the of Contractors, and municipality employees. Municipality role in supporting the court, mo- Mr. Ghuneim thanked the Municipality for this bilizing its human resources and providing the unique initiative to honor a national company required supplies. excelling in its work. The Mayor handed hon- orary trophies to the director of the Broth- ers Contracting Company, Mr. Bashar Hanani, who presented a symbolic trophy as thanks to the Municipality. 87 The Mayor of Ramallah con- Annual report: Ramallah Municipality published in 2012 an annual re- Annual Report 2011 Media siders the citizen as the basic port detailing its key achievements throughout the year 2011. This foundation upon which stra- entailed covering all projects implemented within the framework of tegic development plans are achieving its strategic objectives. The annual report was distributed to
om the imagess. conveyed by the media, est place in the world to see built, considering them as the the governmental, private and civil society organizations. succeeded each other on this land, yed by the media, laces echo this glorious sacred history. publications tolerant and welcoming, willing to Welcome to Palestine! Ahlan Wa Salan! and villages. arliest place in the worlds. Palestine to see is ory. Welcoming and beautiful, Palestine has an impressive variety of people and landscapes to o er to its visitors. Far fralestinians are known to be welcoming and main partner in achieving its vi- Ramallah Municipality Newsletter: Ramallah Municipality has published Palestine keeps surprising its visitors with the warmth and energy of its inhabitants, and the beauty of its cities and village As a crossroad of civilizations and religions, Palestine has an ancient and rich history. Palestine has been among the earli مشاريع تخطيط حضري human habitation, agricultural communities and civilization. Fort allows thousands for easy of years, di erent cultures and people each leaving its mark on the landscape, accounting for the facte that welcoming Palestine and today contains so many historical and archeological treasures. Palestine is Welcome to Palestine! Ahlan Wa Salan! also the birthplace of the three Abrahamic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – and the names and p Modern Palestine had a turbulent history and the country has been striving for the creation of an independent state for more than 60 years. Welcoming and beautiful, Palestine has an impressive variety of people and landscapes to o er to its visitors. Far from the images conve sion for the city of Ramallah. in the year 2012 three issues of its newsletter, entitled “The Ramal- Therefore, politics is very likely to be part of your trip, but in spite of the hassles they face, Palestinians remain open, Palestine keeps surprising its visitors with the warmth and energy of its inhabitants, and the beauty of its cities share about their lives and experiences. Palestine is a small country, with relatively good infrastructure and transportation system that allows for easy بلدية رام اهلل ومؤسسة the e توجهات been among السالمةhas اثناء Palestine تنفيذ .and rich history المشاريعAs a crossroad of civilizations and religions, Palestine has an ancient erent Contrarily cultures to common and people assumptions, succeeded the countryeach other is surprisingly on this land, safe, for men and women alike. Lastly, P For thousands of years,travel. di ع.civilization �سand ركة متخ�س�سة communities بال�سالمة والagricultural من، بهدف ,habitationزيادة المن humanوال�سالم يف م�ساريع محمود درويش يفتتحان each leaving its mark on the landscape, accounting for the fact that Palestine todayeager contains to introduce so many visitors historical to their and country archeological and culture. treasure this glorious sacred hist �سechoمن توجه and places البلدية وحر�namesسا منهاthe على and – �سالمة and Islam املواطنني، عقدتChristianity البلدية ,Judaism وحركة– ااتفاقيةلليات ميف religions اماكن Abrahamicاحلفريات، three وتوفري of the ممرات اآمنة ل�سريalso the birthplaceاملواطنني. متحف محمود درويش حتت رعاية الرئي�ض حممود رّعب ا�ض، افتتح .for more than 60 years البلدية.state وتت�سمن بنود اindependent لof an تفاقية الف�سل creation التام theما forبني حركة been striving املواطنني had a turbulent history and the country has ديد على Palestine اجراءات Modernال�سالمة وال�سحة العامة. العدد الرابع hassles they face, Palestinians remain open, tolerant and welcoming, willing to من of the جلميع spite دوائرbut in البلدية ,tripمن of your مهند�سيني be part ومفت�سينيlikely to لالنتباه is veryوالت� سIn order to create a successful lah Municipality Newsletter”. It published a summary of key projects Therefore, politics العدد الخامس »حديقة البروة« رئي�ض الوزراء د. �صالم رّفي ا�ض، ورئي�ض and transportation system tha تفاقية على بنود infrastructure تتعلق good باجراءات relatively ال�سالمة واwith ل,share about their lives and experiences. Palestine is a small country العدد السادس مل ال Welcome to Palestine موؤ�ص�صة حممود دروي�ض يا�صر عبد ربه، ورئي�صة are known to b كما ت�سtravel. Contrarily to common assumptions, the country is surprisingly safe, for men and women alike. Lastly, Palestinians of Ramallah eager to introduce visitors to their country and culture. كلمـة العـدد البلدية جانيت ميخائيل، وعدد من الوزراء تمــوز 2012 أيـار - آب 2012 أيلول - كانون أول 2012 وال�صخ�صيات الر�صمية والوطنية واملواطنني وزوار مشاريع جديدة قت للتنفيذ المواطنون الكرام، ّالقر and effective communication progress, news, events and activities conducted, covering the range of املدينة، حديقة الربوة ومتحف حممود دروي�ض. مشاريع ُص ّد رســالة بلدية رام اهلل اإلخبارية Palestine 2011/6 م�toس روع تف�سWelcomeيلي ي�سمل حو�س 15 اجلدول اء األعزاء . . وجاء االفتتاح يف ذكرى ميالد دروي�ض، اليوم الوطني م�سروع تف�سيلي رقم 9/2010، يف رســالةحو�س 15 اجلدول، بلدية رام اهلل اإلخبارية رســالة ي�شرنا بلدية رام اهلل اإلخبارية للثقافة الفل�صطينية. وجتول احل�صور يف احلديقة التي وحو�س 10 خلة العد�س، وهو عبارة عن م�سروع ف�سالت اأن ن�شع بني وحو�س 10 خلة العد�س: لقرتاح �سارع بعر�س 10 اأمتار، كلمة العدد ت�صم م�صاحات وا�صعة ًوبركا للمياه، وزاوية املنرب احلر، القطع غري ال�ساحلة للبناء، واقرتاح حتويلها اإىل 2012/12/31. عرب العدد الرابع من ر�صالةبلدية رام اهلل االخبارية تتوا�صل معكم البلدية وافتتحوالعر�ض ابرزاملتحف الذي ي�ص رّم اجنازاتها املكتبة االإلكرتونية، مبا فيها وتعديل م�سارات اأخرى، واإلغاء طريق ت�سوية. �ساحات �سمن الطريق. اأياديكم العدد ال�شاد�س من ر�شالة بلدية رام اهلل الإخبارية التي تغطي الفرتة من 1/9/2012 حتى channel with citizens, Ramallah infrastructure projects, cultural and community events, organizational املواطنون الكرام، القراء الأعزاء املتعلقة مب�صاريع البنية التحتية والثقافية وتطوير بنائها املوؤ�ص�صي وعالقاتها من الدولية. كتب يف هذا للراحل، واالعدد أزاحوا تطل ال�صتار عن �صريحه.يذكر اأن م�سروع كلمة العدد تف�سيلي رقم 12/2008 يف حو�س 15 اجلدول 18/2012 م�سروع تف�سيلي لإعادة تق�سيم بع�س املتحف ي�صم ً نقدم لكم العدد اخلام�س من الر�سالة الخبارية لبلدية رام اهلل، لطالعكم على �سري الأعمال يف هذا العدد عليكم البلدية باهم االن�صطة والفعاليات التي نفذت متا�صيا مع روؤيتها ealلتكون مدينة رّ رام عددا اهلل من متميزة مقتنيات دروي�ض ال�صخ�صية، ًو�صورا وحي 28 الطرية: تو�سعة طريق من 3 اأمتار اإىل 10 املناطق الع�سوائية والقطع غري املنتظمة يف حي 29 وجميلة و�صديقة للبيئة والعائلة وحا�صنة للثقافة. وكما يف كل عدد له تدعوكم برفقة االبلدية أفراد اىل ابداء ارائكم يف هذا العدد املختلفة يف م�ساريع البلدية التي نهدف من خاللها اىل تطوير اخلدمات والرقي مبدينة رام اهلل اأ�صرته وعديد من ال�صخ�صيات. وكتبت على دائما اىل امل�ستويات الف�سل حتقيقا لروؤيتنا مبدينة مزدهرة ومتميزة. ونر�سد يف هذه الن�سرة تقدمي ا�شتقالتها بتاريخ وا�صتف�صاراتكم لالرتقاء بدورها يف تنويع وتطوير جودة خدماتها. .ts heritage اأمتار. احل�سا�سنة. يتميز هذا العدد برونق ونكهة خا� ةش ت�شري لق�ة بلدية رام اهلل فعاليات ورياديتها كم�ؤ�ثقافيةش �شة، حيثوبيئية �شهدت الفرتة التي يغطيها -جدارية Palestin مدخل to other املتحف، travelنبذة عن for easyحياة sدروي�ض باللغتني العربية م�سروع تف�سيلي �سري ارقم ل 4/جناز مل�س2007 اريع يف البنية حو�س 11 التحتية وامل�سالطرية:اريع الثقافية واملجتمعية وال دارية 20/واملالية 2012 م�سوجممل روع تف�سيلي لإعادة تق�سيم بع�س هذا العدد انتخابات املجل�س البلدي، وغطت مرحلة كانت فيها ال� شاإطالق يدة ا�سمالفا�ش لة جاللةجانيت امللك ميخائيل رئي�شعبدة للبلدية اهلل حتى .Municipality was keen to in- development matters, as well as local and international relations واالإنكليزية، منذ والدته عام 1943حتى وفاته يف اآب 2008. - الن�سطة والفعاليات التي جرت يف ال�سهر من ايار اىل اب2012، لت�سكل لديكم �سورة عن 10/9/2012، ليت�شلم بعدها رئي�س البلدية بالإنابة م. حمم�د عبد اهلل من -he city’s name is a combi تو�سعة طريق من 3 اأمتار اإىل 10 اأمتار. املناطق الع�سوائية يف حو�س 15 يف هذااجلدول. العدد 11/9/2012 حتى م�سروع تف�س ايليلعمال 2/التي 2007 حتققهايف بلديةحو� س رام 15 اهلل اجلدول:ترجمة لالهداف الرئي�سية للعام احلايل. الثاين على اأحد ميادين رام اهلل Municipality 21/2012 م�سروع تف�سيلي لتو�سعة �سارع من 3 اأمتار فعاليات وا2/11/2012إخباريات، وليت�شلم البلدية الراية للفرتة ودفة من قيادة بلدية 3/11/2012 رام اهللحتى للمرحلة 31/12/2012. املقبلة رئي�شها املنتخب م. م��شى حديد، ولتغطي political and economic center .beral city, proud of its heritage لتو�سعة وتنظيم �سارع بعر�س 8 اأمتار. تكرمي الكاتبة د. يا�سمني زهران er اإىل 10 اأمتار ، حو�س 11 الطرية. توقيع اتفاقية تواأمة مع �سور الرتكية Ramallah – The Bride of Palestine 23/2012 م�سروع تف�سيلي لتو�سعة �سارع من 3 اأمتار رفع علم مدر�سة �سحية و�سديقة للبيئة form citizens about all munici- Touristic, briefing and public awareness brochures: Ramallah Munici- dern, dynamic city. The city’s name is a wellcombi as- the emarkable improvement of its economic fall for الأر�س، وهي البلدية التي متيزت وتاألقت منذ ميالدها عام .people now live in Ramallah ومذكرة تفاهم مع بورتو اليغري الربازيلية اإىل 6 اأمتار، حو�س 19املدينة فعاليات حي 15 ثقافية احل�سني.وبيئية نعم، هكذا كانت، ول زالت، و�شتبقى بلدية رام اهلل امل�ؤ�ش�شة التي بلدية تر�شرام خت اهلل جذورهاُت نري �ك�شجرسجرة الزيت�ن ال�شامليالد اربة يف ااملجيدأعماق Ramallah is a refreshing mix of local, traditional and progressive and cosmopolitan culture. Starting your tour of Palestine from Ramallah is the id ً choice. Ramallah is only 16 km north of Jerusalem and 64 km from the Mediterranean Sea and its central location allow التي تعاقبت على ت�شلمها، ومن خالل عامليها الذين مل يدخروا1908، وراكمت جهدا من اأجلاجنازاتها وخرباتها عرب املجال�س البلدية Ramallah – The Bride of Palestine مهرجان وين ع رام اهلل 4 ian cities. Staying in Ramallah will give you the opportunity to sseddiscover a remarkable the modern improvement face of Palestine, of its economic in a vibrant and liberal city, proud of i الريادي املتقدم، ومن اأجل اأن تك�ن مدينتنا رام اهلل مب�شت�ى الت�قعات والطم�حات. اأن تتب�اأ بلدية رام اهلل هذا امل�قع Originally a small village created in the 16th century by a Christian tribe, Ramallah recently turned into a modern, dynamic city. T Ramallah Municipality Newsletter املخيم البيئي الثالث pal projects, applying, hence, pality published a number of brochures that covered the projects im- Ramallah is a refreshing mix of local, traditional andnation progressive of two Arabic and words,cosmopolitan ram and culture. Allah, meaning Starting theyour “Height tour of of Palestine God”. This from name Ramallah resonates is the as an ideal evocation of the pleasant climate of Ramallah, which, ,choice. Ramallah is only 16 km north of Jerusalemas and a result, 64 km was from for the long Mediterranean a popular destination Sea and its for central vacation, location famous allows for its for lively easy summer travel to nights. other Palestin The city today is a cultural خميم رام اهلل الدويل الثاين للعمل التطوعي tors from all corners of Palestine and the world fall for city hosts the most modern of the face institutions of Palestine, of the in a Palestinian vibrant and Authority, li which were created in the aftermath of the Oslo Accords, as well as theبلدية toThe discover رام .Palestine اهلل the opportunityin تقومwill give you بتركيب ian cities. Staying in Ramallah وناأمل ces, recently and turned headquarters into a mo of international organizations. Ramallah witnessed a r Representative tribe, Ramallah O مصعدby a ofChristian the لذوي 16th centurymajority االعاقة in the لمبنى village created البلدية Originally a small ن�شع بني اأياديكم هذا العدد مت�شمنا اإخباريات بلدية رام اهلل ح�ل م�شاريعها، براجمها وفعالياتها على كافة ال�شعد. رئي�س search الوزراء in د. �سالم فيا�س nation of two Arabic words, ram and Allah, meaningsituation the in“Height the last of decade, God”. This and name this relativeresonates prosperity, as an evocation alongside of the with pleasant the liberal climate atmosphere of Ramallah, of the which, city, has attracted numerous Palestinians يتو�سط رئي�سة البلدية as a result, was for long a popular destination forfor avacation, better life famous and opportunities. for its lively summer As a result, nights. the The city’s city population today is a hascultural, doubled political in the and last economic 10 years, centand more than 45,000 اأن يت�شع وقتكم لالطالع عليه، ونك�ن �شاكرين ومقدرين لأية مالحظات انتقاديه Issues No. 4 + 5 + 6 ويا�سر عبد ربه رئي�س افتتاح متحف حممود as دروي�ش - ,of the Palestinian Authority, which were created in the aftermath of the Oslo Accords ي institutions والوا�سع most of the باحتياجات ذوي hostsا لcity عاقة، The وتلبية .in Palestineحلقوقهم الر�شالة الدورية، ومبا ي�شمن حتقيق الهدف املرج� منها باأف�شل �ش�رة. اأو اقرتاحات لتط�ير هذه موؤ�س�سة world حممود the دروي�سers a vibrant nightlife. Therefore, visitors from all corners of Palestine and the principle of transparency plemented by the Municipality. These included brochures produced by The city also hosts many festivals and cultural events, and o majority of the Representative O ces, and headquarters of international organizations. Ramallah witne .charm and energy, and for the hospitality and warmth of its inhabitants �سمن distinctive اهتمامها city’s ّاجلدthe حديقة الربوة alongside with the liberal atmosphere of the city, has attracted numerous Palestinians in search ان �سديق، ,prosperity وكخطوة this relativeريادية نحوand تاأهيل ,decadeمداخل last مباينin the ومرافق situationاملدينة .has doubled in the last 10 years, and more than 45,000 people now live in Ramallah يف populationمك لthe city’s حتياجات ,a result اخلا�سة، As قامت بلدية رام .opportunities اهللlife and برتكيب betterم� سa عد forخا�س ers a vibrant nightlife. Therefore, visi and oلذوي ا,also hostsً many festivals and cultural events لقرارها cityبت اTheأهيل مبنى م�شاريع بنية حتتية انتخابات املجل�س البلدي .and warmth of its inhabitants بذوي the hospitality الإعاقة for يف and مدخل ,energyمبنى and البلدية، charm وذلك تنفيذاthe city’s distinctive هيئة التحرير اأجرتها البلدية مو�سى حديد ًرئي�سا لبلدية رام اهلل Ramallah – The Bride of Palestineل�ستخدامات ذوي الإعاقة. ًووفقا لدرا�سة تاأهيل �شارع امل�شت�شفى الأهلي - خميم قدورة البلدية ومرافقها ح�سب موا�سفات حمددة. via various means such as: the Ramallah Tourist Information Center, as well as public awareness مت تركيب م�سعد خا�س م�سنوع ًحمليا تاأهيل �شوارع يف املنطقة ال�شناعية رئي�س واأع�ساء جمل�س بلدية رام اهلل اجلدد تشغيل ا أعلنت بلدية رام اهلل عن بدء ت�صغيل ر ان البلدية با�سرت باإجراء درا�سة تقييمية ملرافقها وعدد من املرافق يذك Ramallah – The Bride of Palestineل�ستخدام ذوي افتتاح حديقة البيارة يت�سلمون مهامهم مقبرة رام اهلل مقربة رام اهلل اجلديدة، والتي ت�صم day Ramallah العامة Modernوالأر�سفةيف مدينة رام اهلل، ومدى مواءمتها مقربتني )مقربة م�صيحية / مقربة الإعاقة، وذلك جلعل مدينة رام اهلل مدينة ت�ساهم يف دمج تلك الفئة ب�سكل اقرار خطة عمل بلدية رام اهلل للعام 2013 مناق�سة خطة بلدية اإ�صرام المية(اهلل ًاعتبارا ,upward اال�سرتاتيجيةWith the rapid expansion of the city in the 19th century, the urban center moved الجديدة من �صباط 2012، اأكرب واأ�سهل يف جميع خدماتهاday Ramallah وفعالياتها.material regarding the services provided, entailing the focus on aware- Modern 2012-2015 مع وذلك املجتمع بعد ا إجنازاملحلي Many املرحلة اال.there أوىل من from towards what is now Al Manara (Lions Square). Six main streets branch o م�صروع اإن�ص a With the rapid expansion of theexcellent city in theshops 19th surround century, the the Square, urban centerall of which moved can upward, be reached on foot. Just down Ja اء املقربة، فيما children توقف where الدفن ,nd many good restaurants and the Ramallah Municipal park Street, one will towards what is now Al Manara (Lions Square). Six main streets branch o from there. Many يف مقربة املا�صيون Al ًاعتبارا ,center من city تاريخa north of the cientall of which space can to be play. reached The Muqata’a: on foot. Just Only down 500 metersJa nd su excellent shops surround thecan Square, 23/2/2012 ، وي� صتثنى Israel من ذلك Because الدفن .ce nd many goodMuqata’a restaurants hosts and the the Mausoleum Ramallah ofMunicipal Yasser Arafat park, where and the children Presidential O Street, one will توقيع اتفاقيات ولقاءات ness messages for citizens about requirement of licenses for construc- can nd su cient space to opposedplay. The Arafat’sMuqata’a: wish Only to 500be buriedmeters innorth Jerusalem, of the city the center, Mausoleum Al was built on water to يف قبور قدمية لذات العائلة.وت�ص.wish مل lastر� صوم ll Arafat’s ce. moved Because one day Israel to ful Muqata’a hosts the Mausoleumexpress of its Yasser temporariness, Arafat and and the is Presidential meant to be O اتفاقية تعاون مع بيون�س اآير�س الأرجنتينية الدفن يف املقربة .soon اجلديدة doors تكلفة its حفر opposed Arafat’s wish toA be museum buried presentingin Jerusalem, his thelife Mausoleumand his political was engagementbuilt on water will to also open ,d by the media وجتهيز القرب والدفن، ll Palestine’s Arafat’s most last wish. famous poet, who expressed with express its temporariness,Mahmud and is meant Darwish to be Tomb moved and one Museum: day to ful اتفاقية تنفيذ حمطة تنقية ال�شرف ال�شحي يف الطرية م�شاريع عامة اجلنود املجهولون وا�سلوا الليل in بالنهار اإ�صburiedافة اisإىل ,land توفري ering engagement of exile and will the also Palestinian open its attachmentdoors soon. to the A museum presenting hisunique life and style his the political su �ص Mahmud Darwish Tomb and Museum: Palestine’s most famous poet, who expressed with اإلخباريــــة 15 يارة نقل اجلثمان. وملزيد منgarden. A museumاملعلومات، Ramallah. His tomb is located at the top of a beautifully designed terrace توقيع اتفاقية ان�شاء رسالــــة مدر� ةش بلديــــة احلاجرام »ا ّاللأبو ــــه وجيه الطريفي« م�سروع املجمع الرتويحي يف غرفة عمليات طوارئ باالعا�سفة اجلوية.eringintroducing of exile theand visitors the Palestinian to his work attachment and personality to the was land, also is createdburied inin the same space unique style the su 12 الإمكان االت�صال على هاتف البلدية رقم Ramallah. His tomb is located at the top of a beautifully designed terrace garden. A museum م�ساريع �سق الطرق والتعبيد tion, industry and crafts, purchase or renting of real-estates, annual 2945555 والرقم الداخلي ) .introducing the visitors to his work and personality was also created in the same space 461(. حمطة تنقية �سرف �سحي/الطرية توقيع مذكرة تفاهم م�سروع البلدية االلكرتونية مع GIZ رسالــــة بلديــــة رام ّالل!Salan ــــه Ahlan Waاإلخباريــــة A well preserved culturalWelcome heritage to Palestine!1 رسالــــة بلديــــة رام ّاللــــه اإلخباريــــة 1 رسالــــة بلديــــة رام ّاللــــه اإلخباريــــة municipal service fees, environmental and health awareness for chil- 1 A well preserved cultural heritage Ramallah displays a well preservedWelcoming cultural and beautiful, and historical Palestine heritage has an that impressive has become variety a of focal people point and of landscapes to o er to its visitors. Far from the images conveye Ramallah displaysattention a well in preserved the recent cultural years.Palestine Visitors and historical keepscan hence surprising heritage enjoy itsthethat visitors beauty has become with of renovated the awarmth focal buildings,point and energyof now of used its inhabitants, by and the beauty of its cities and villages. attention in thethe recent Municipality years. Visitors or by NGOs canAs henceand a crossroad wander enjoy thearound of beautycivilizations to feel of renovated the and unique religions, buildings, atmosphere Palestine now of hasused the an old by ancient city’s narrow and rich history. Palestine has been among the earliest place in the world to see the Municipalitystreets or byand NGOs alleys. and Among wander otherhuman around buildings habitation, to feel worththe agriculturalunique a visit atmosphere are communities the Palestine of the and oldArcheological civilization.city’s narrow Museum,For thousands that of years, di erent cultures and people succeeded each other on this land, ,ndings, Museum, and The thatOttoman Court streets and containsalleys. Among traditional other and buildings folkloric worth Palestinian a visit objects are the and Palestine archeological Archeological رسالــــة each leaving its mark on the landscape, accounting for the fact that Palestine today contains so many historical and archeological treasures. Palestine is بلديــــة رام ّ .ndings,Abrahamic Ottoman and Governor religions The Ottoman –of Judaism, the Court, city, Christianity and is now and Islam – and the names and places echo this glorious sacred history contains traditionala newly restored and folkloric building Palestinian thatalso was the objects once birthplace andthe residencearcheological of the three of the اللــــه .dren at schools in Ramallah a newly restored building that was once the residence of the Ottoman Governor of the city, and is now اإلخباريــــة used as a children library andModern community Palestine center. had a Inturbulent the heart history of the and old the city country is Al Kamandjatihas been striving (The for the creation of an independent state for more than 60 years. used as a children library and community center. In the heart of the old city is Al Kamandjati (The Violonist) association. The buildingTherefore, dates politics back fromis very the likely late toOttoman be part period, of your and trip, is but a typical in spite example of the hasslesof they face, Palestinians remain open, tolerant and welcoming, willing to Violonist)traditional association. Palestinian The building living dates arrangement. back from theThe late beautifully Ottoman and period, originally and is arestored typical examplespace now of hosts a traditional Palestinian living arrangement.share about The theirbeautifully lives and and experiences. originally restored Palestine space is a smallnow hostscountry, a with relatively good infrastructure and transportation system that allows for easy music school for underprivilegedtravel. PalestinianContrarily to children. common Numerous assumptions, buildings the country also attest is surprisingly the in uential safe, for men and women alike. Lastly, Palestinians are known to be welcoming and music schoolpresence for ofunderprivileged the Quakers in Palestinian the city, throughchildren. theNumerous Religious buildings Society also of Friends.attest the In in uential1889, what was presence of the Quakers in the eagercity, through to introduce the Religiousvisitors to Societytheir country of Friends. and culture. In 1889, what was Media coverage news: Ramallah Municipality communicates effectively previously the girls academy became the Friends Girls School (FGS). As the FGSA well was preserved also a boarding cultural heritage previously the girls academy became the Friends Girls School (FGS). As the FGS was also a boarding school,school, it attracted it attracted girls girls from from surrounding surrounding communities, communities, including including Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Lydda, Lydda, Ja a, Ja a, and andBeirut. Beirut. TheThe Friends Friends Boys Boys School School (FBS) (FBS) was was founded founded in 1901 in 1901 and and opened opened in 1918. in 1918. www.ramallah.ps Welcome to Palestine
ﻠﻘﺘﻪ اﻟﺒﻠﺪﻳﺔ ﺑﺎﺳﻠﻮب ﻋﺼﺮي،وﻳﻘﺪم اﻟﻌﺪﻳﺪ with its citizens at a daily basis through the publication of its news, Modern day Ramallah ﺷﺎرك/ي اﻟﺤﻠﺔ اﻟﺠﺪﻳﺪة ﻟﻠﻤﻮﻗﻊ اﻻﻟﻜﺘﺮوﻧﻲ ﻴﺔ اﻟﺬي اﻃواﻟﻌﺎﻣﺔ، وﺣﺪة اﻟﺸﻜﺎوى، اﻻﺻﺪارات اﻻﻋﻼﻣﻴﺔ، ﻣﺮﻛﺰ ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎت ﻋﻦ: اﻟﺨﺪﻣﺎت اﻻﻟﻜﺘﺮوﻧ ، ﻗﺮارات وﻣﺤﺎﺿﺮ اﻟﻤﺠﻠﺲ اﻟﺒﻠﺪي.وﻏﻴﺮﻫﺎ ﻣﻦ ﺧﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﺠﻤﻬﻮر ، ﻣﺪﻳﻨﺔ رام ا ﺑﻠﺪﻳﺔ رام ا اﻟﻌﻨﺎوﻳﻦ اﻟﻤﺘﻌﻠﻘﺔ ﺑﻔﻌﺎﻟﻴﺎت وﻣﺮاﻓﻖ اﻟﺒﻠﺪﻳﺔ ,events, and activities using the local media to include newspapers www.ramallah.ps Share with us the municipality new website variety of information and services: electronicwhich se launched a contemporary style, o ers a www.ramallah-gis.ps complaints unit, media center, Center audience, rvices, user municipal services, and decisions and minutes of the meetings of the the city of Ramallah, Ramallah Municipality, municipal council. television, local radio stations, websites, facebook and twitter. from Ramallah is the ideal vel to other Palestin-
Agenda 2012 which, www.ramallah-gis.ps ty’s name is a combi-
ﺒﻠﺪﻳﺔ رام ا اﻻﺳﺘﻌﻼم ﻋﻦ ﺗﻔﺎﺻﻴﻞ ﻣﺘﻐﻴﺮات Publication of Municipal Council Decisions: With the aim of inform- conomic ﻳﺘﻴﺢ ﻟﻚ ﻣﻮﻗﻊ ﻧﻈﻢ اﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎت اﻟﺠﻐﺮاﻓﻴﺔ ﻟ ﺎء وأﺣﻮاض وﺷﻮارع ﻣﻮﺟﻮدة ﻓﻲ ﻗﺎﻋﺪة ﺑﻴﺎﻧﺎت ﻣﺨﺘﻠﻔﺔ ﻣﻦ ﻣﻌﺎﻟﻢ وﻋﻨﺎوﻳﻦ وﻗﻄﻊ أراﺿﻲ وأﺣﻴ WELCOME Ramallah – The Bride of Palestine RAMALLAH erous Palestinians in search اﻟﺒﻠﺪﻳﺔ اﻟﺠﻐﺮاﻓﻴﺔ ﻮﺟﻴﺎ ﻧﻈﻢ اﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎت اﻟﺠﻐﺮاﻓﻴﺔ ﻓﻲ اﻟﺘﻌﺎﻣﻞ ﻣﻊ وﻳﻬﺪف اﻟﻤﻮﻗﻊ اﻟﻰ ﺗﺒﻨﻲ ﻣﻨﻬﺠﻴﺎت ﺗﻜﻨﻮﻟ اﻟﻤﻜﺎﻧﻲ وﺗﻮﺛﻴﻘﻬﺎ وﺗﺤﻠﻴﻠﻬﺎ وﺗﻬﻴﺄﺗﻬﺎ ﺑﻤﺎ ﻓﻴﻪ ﺧﺪﻣﺔ Ramallah is a refreshing mix of local, traditional and progressive and cosmopolitan culture. Starting your tour of Palestine ﺑﻴﺎﻧﺎت ﻛﺎﻓﺔ دواﺋﺮ اﻟﺒﻠﺪﻳﺔ اﻟﻤﺮﺗﺒﻄﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﺒﻌﺪ ﺘﻤﻊ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻌﺎﻟﻢ وﻋﻨﺎوﻳﻦ وﻗﻄﻊ أراﺿﻲ وأﺣﻴﺎء choice. Ramallah is only 16 km north of Jerusalem and 64 km from the Mediterranean Sea and its central location allows for easy tra ing citizens about key decisions and promoting the principle of trans- ian cities. Staying in Ramallah will give you the opportunity to discover the modern face of Palestine, in a vibrant and liberal city, proud of its heritage. ﻟﻤﻮﻇﻔﻲ اﻟﺒﻠﺪﻳﺔ واﻟﻤﻜﻠﻔﻴﻦ واﻟﻌﻤﻼء واﻟﻤﺠ وﺷﻮارع ﻣﻮﺟﻮدة ﻓﻲ ﻗﺎﻋﺪة ﺑﻴﺎﻧﺎت اﻟﺒﻠﺪﻳﺔ اﻟﺠﻐﺮاﻓﻴﺔ Originally a small village created in the 16th century by a Christian tribe, Ramallah recently turned into a modern, dynamic city. The ci وأﺣﻮاض ,nation of two Arabic words, ram and Allah, meaning the “Height of God”. This name resonates as an evocation of the pleasant climate of Ramallah as a result, was for long a popular destination for vacation, famous for its lively summer nights. The city today is a cultural, political and economic center in Palestine. The city hosts most of the institutions of the Palestinian Authority, which were created in the aftermath of the Oslo Accords, as well as the Take advantage of the GIS technology to deliv majority of the Representative O ces, and headquarters of international organizations. Ramallah witnessed a remarkable improvement of its e municipality needs and plans, in addition er an enterprise-level services supporting the parency, the Municipality publishes all decisions taken by its Municipal situation in the last decade, and this relative prosperity, alongside with the liberal atmosphere of the city, has attracted num dynamic tools to nd out landmarks, addressesto provide municipal clients and customers with for a better life and opportunities. As a result, the city’s population has doubled in the last 10 years, and more than 45,000 people now live in Ramallah. incorporated into the municipal geo- , parcels, blocks, streets, etc.. Which are Welcome Kit The city also hosts many festivals and cultural events, and o ers a vibrant nightlife. Therefore, visitors from all corners of Palestine and the world fall for database as layers. the city’s distinctive charm and energy, and for the hospitality and warmth of its inhabitants. 89 Council in its weekly sessions. Ramallah – The Bride of Palestine
Modern day Ramallah
With the rapid expansion of the city in the 19th century, the urban center moved upward, towards what is now Al Manara (Lions Square). Six main streets branch o from there. Many excellent shops surround the Square, all of which can be reached on foot. Just down Ja a Street, one will nd many good restaurants and the Ramallah Municipal park, where children can nd su cient space to play. The Muqata’a: Only 500 meters north of the city center, Al Muqata’a hosts the Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat and the Presidential O ce. Because Israel opposed Arafat’s wish to be buried in Jerusalem, the Mausoleum was built on water to express its temporariness, and is meant to be moved one day to ful ll Arafat’s last wish. A museum presenting his life and his political engagement will also open its doors soon. Mahmud Darwish Tomb and Museum: Palestine’s most famous poet, who expressed with unique style the su ering of exile and the Palestinian attachment to the land, is buried in Ramallah. His tomb is located at the top of a beautifully designed terrace garden. A museum introducing the visitors to his work and personality was also created in the same space.
A well preserved cultural heritage
Ramallah displays a well preserved cultural and historical heritage that has become a focal point of attention in the recent years. Visitors can hence enjoy the beauty of renovated buildings, now used by the Municipality or by NGOs and wander around to feel the unique atmosphere of the old city’s narrow streets and alleys. Among other buildings worth a visit are the Palestine Archeological Museum, that contains traditional and folkloric Palestinian objects and archeological ndings, and The Ottoman Court, a newly restored building that was once the residence of the Ottoman Governor of the city, and is now used as a children library and community center. In the heart of the old city is Al Kamandjati (The Violonist) association. The building dates back from the late Ottoman period, and is a typical example of traditional Palestinian living arrangement. The beautifully and originally restored space now hosts a music school for underprivileged Palestinian children. Numerous buildings also attest the in uential presence of the Quakers in the city, through the Religious Society of Friends. In 1889, what was previously the girls academy became the Friends Girls School (FGS). As the FGSA well was preservedalso a boarding cultural heritage school, it attracted girls from surrounding communities, including Jerusalem, Lydda, Ja a, and Beirut. The Friends Boys School (FBS) was founded in 1901 and opened in 1918.
Modern day Ramallah The Municipality inaugurated the Ramallah Tourist Infor- mation Centre in September 2011, as the first center of this kind in the city, located in the old town opposite to the municipal building and aiming to provide tourist in- formation and services for the city’s residents and visi- Social Media tors. Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation and Ramallah Tourist Information Centre organizes Website: the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) a session for its Advisory Committee The Municipality updated its website contributed in the restoration of the Center’s old build- Communication Tools www.ramallah.ps ing, while the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the The Advisory Committee of the center, entailing a summary of its where it publishes all news, tender advertisements and sum- mayor of Bordeaux supported its establishment in col- Ramallah Tourist Information Cen- establishment, its key publications, mary about the city. The website also includes all its publica- laboration with the Municipality of Ramallah. ter conducted its first meeting that including the study conducted re- tions and a guide about the key organizations in the city, in- addressed the general situation of garding the status of tourism in formation about tourism and economy in Ramallah, as well The center is responsible for the following activities: tourism in the city, especially the the city, and the provision of gifts as archived photos available at the Municipality. Providing visitors with tourist maps of the city of Ra- political tourism, as Ramallah is for sale at the Centre. The Mu- mallah and other Palestinian cities; considered the focal place for po- nicipality detailed its Al-Mustaqbal Facebook and twitter page: litical activities. The Committee plan, activities for this year, and Providing publications about the city of Ramallah and Through its Facebook and twitter pages, Ramallah Munici- its touristic sites; tackled the importance of income significant step taken in enhanc- pality communicates with its public to inform them about from tourism in countries that de- ing its international relations, with the key events and news. The Municipality also responds to Publication of the monthly calendar of events, artistic velop this sector. The Municipality the important opportunity these messages. and cultural activities in the city, as well as some pro- stressed on its serious intention to could bring in developing tourism motional publications about the city; benefit from the expertise of the in Ramallah. The draft by-law for You can refer to all publications via the Municipality website Providing a variety of traditional gifts and items wear- Committee members to develop the Center was also discussed and www.ramallah.ps ing the name of “Ramallah” and that visitor can buy this sector in the city. It also pre- approved during this meeting. Ramallah Tourist Information Centre at symbolic prices with the aim of contributing to the sented an orientation about the RAMALLAH MUNICIPALITY promotion of the city of Ramallah; Participating in tourist conferences and events; Organizing tours of the city for visitors and guests of the Municipality. 91 Ramallah Municipality hosts a tial suburbs, as well as restaurants and many promote the city through the provision delegation from Nazareth and religious places. This visit falls within the ef- and distribution of special publications the Palestinians of the 48 forts of the Ramallah Tourist Information about the city of Ramallah. It should be Center to develop tourism in the city. noted that this conference is held annually An official delegation from the Municipality Ramallah Municipality extends its grati- in the city of Paris and aims to promote of Nazareth, and the Palestinians of the tude to Grand Park Hotel for hosting the tourism. It was attended by thousands of 48, visited the city of Ramallah, as part of a delegation as well as Darna, Azure, Chili specialists from various countries around cooperation agreement between the two Chili and Zeit Wa Zatar restaurants and the world as well as representatives from cities. Mohammad Awaasa, Deputy Mayor Baladna Ice-cream shop. international tourism companies. of Nazareth, and George Nasrallah, As- Mr. Hamza Dalia also attended a training sistant Deputy Mayor, Tourist agents from course on the development of the tour- Nazareth and its region, as well as repre- ism sector and the management of tourist sentatives from different media were the Participation in the Paris information centers. This visit is the sec- members of this delegation. They stayed International Tourism Fair ond official visit, which comes as part of one night at the Grand Hotel Park and the cooperation agreement between the visited different tourist and archaeologi- Within the framework of the cooperation two Municipalities for the development of cal sites, in addition to the Memorials of agreement signed between the Municipali- human resources and the Ramallah Tourist the late President Yasser Arafat and of the ties of Ramallah and the French city of Bor- Information Center in particular, as well as great poet Mahmoud Darwish. deaux, Ramallah Municipality participated the development of the tourism sector in The delegation also visited the Ramallah in the Paris International Fair on tourism, the city, in general. Tourist Information Center in the old city, which was held in the city of Paris from the Diplomatic Neighborhood, Garden of 17 - 22/9/2012. Mr. Hamza Dalia, repre- Nations, Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center, senting the Ramallah Tourist Information many hotels in Ramallah, the new residen- Center, participated in the conference to
93 350 The Total building permits 319 Architectural (2006 - 2012) 300 250 238 240 Data 200 200 174 200 155 150 Division of Building & Permit data 142 100 150 List of transactions and 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
meetings of division of 100 List of buildings Total permissive areas building and permit in 2012 Month Number of Issued Permit New building areas Percentage in 2m 50 permit Issued January 14 6233 5282 ٪ 84.7 (31/12/2012 - 1/1/2012) February 48 46760 31905 ٪ 68 0
December November October September August July June May April March February January March 26 33975 27384 ٪ 80.6 April 29 30197 26704 ٪ 71 May 12 8005 6703 ٪ 83.7 June 76 31611 25413 ٪ 80.4 July 13 13261 12101 ٪ 91.3 August 0 0 0 0
Total Number of transactions September 26 37789 35570 ٪ 94.1 Number of Appartments splitting Title deed October 45 43724 37140 ٪ 85 November 14 37444 34534 92.2 ٪ Number of meetings of organizing committee December 16 32378 30680 94.8 ٪ Number of Issued Decisions Total 319 321377 273416 ٪ 85.1 95 Ramallah Tourist Information Center's Data
%4 %1 %1 %2 %1 Chart of visitors nationalities %4 of RTIC in 2012
800 716 681 646 700 600 537 529 478 491 489 468 463 500 %15 427 369 400 300 Chart of Numbers of 200 Visitors of Ramallah Tourist 100 %6 %66 Information Center in 2012 0 December November October September August July June May April March February January
97 General Data, Public Service Center
2000 1500 1000 500 0 Number of Applications Submitted for PSC 726 NOC Applcations for electricity, water, phone service 11 Application for installing billboard 46 Citizens complaint 356 Objections about housing service fees 130 Objections about crafts and industries fees 2 Payment of fees certificate 153 Electricity and lighting services Streets and roads services applications 1811 Clearance certificate 55 City resident's certificate 88 Objection about educational fees 270 Request Insurance refund 50 General Services - Planning 44 Objection about streets opening and Payment's fees 2 Citizen›s financial complaints 54 Digging work contracts 190 General services applications 123 Applications - Services 143 Crafts and Industries Applications 36 Citizens complaint - Engineering 32 Permit of banner application 13 Completion of contruction certificate 426 Site plan application 48 Permitions for concrete companies 66 General complaints 748 General services request - engineering 10 Certificate of ownership or nonowership 44 Name of confirmation's certificate 62 Clearance certificates for the local Authority's Candidates 20 Crafts and industries permite certificate 99
P.O. Box 3 Issa Ziadah Str., Ramallah, Palestine Tel: +970 2 294 5555 Fax: +970 2 296 3214 Jawwal: +970 59 9671 000 Wataniya: +970 56 9671 111 E-mail: [email protected] www.ramallah.ps Toll Free