at the National Festival Honoring Palestinian Volunteers “Ounah 2011”
Fayyad announces the launch of Haidar Abdelshafi’s annual award for voluntary work
The recognition of 15 Palestinian volunteers contributing to development, and
presenting a living model of creativity and innovation.

Nablus, December 11, 2011- In cooperation with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), the National Committee for Honoring Palestinian Volunteers celebrated the contribution of Palestinian volunteers in the presence of H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad, the Mayor of Nablus Hajj Adli Yaish, the Governor of Nablus Jibreel Al Bakri and the President of Al Najah National University Dr. Rami Al Hamdallah in addition to a large representation from the civil society. Fifteen committed, innovative individuals from the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem were recognized.
Bader Zamareh, the Executive Director of Sharek Youth Forum, opened the ceremony by welcoming the audience and the official representation and stressing the importance of this annual tradition and the role it plays in promoting volunteerism in Palestine. He further elaborated on the belief that every olive tree deserves a volunteer, and that volunteers throughout Palestine contribute to the continued social, economic and political development of their nation despite hardship and difficulty.
H.E. Dr. Salam Fayyad thanked the organizers and announced the launch of the Haider Abdelshafi Annual Award for the recognition of volunteers. He emphasized that the honored volunteers are model examples of giving and originality and are closely tied to their communities and institutions. He also encouraged all individuals and groups to foster a culture of volunteerism in favor of Palestinian community advancement.
On the same note, Dr. Rami Al Hamdalah (President of Al Najjah National University) and Walid Attatra (National Committee Representative) and Nasfat Al Khuffash (Representative of the Evaluation Panel) stressed the importance of voluntarism and civil society engagement in its promotion.
Recognized Volunteers for 2011
Mahmoud Talab Al Namura – The Maha Nassar Award for Volunteerism
Mahera Dajani – Faisal Al Husseini Award for Volunteerism in Jerusalem
Muharram Barghouthi – Tawfeeq Zayyad Award for Volunteerism
Hayya Al Baz – Samiha Khalil Award for Volunteerism for Women Excellency
Dr. Mohammad Al Tafakji – Dr. Fathi Arafat Award for Volunteerism