Press Releases

(Bethlehem, 17 July 2026)

BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights implemented the second Al Awda Training school for 2026 over three consecutive days, from 10 to 12 July 2026, with the participation of 19 participants (9 females, 10 males).

The school opened with a workshop examining the impact of colonial policies on the consciousness and behavior of the colonized, and the transformations they impose at both the individual and collective levels. This was followed by a discussion on the importance of using precise political and legal terminology in the Palestinian context and its role in confronting colonial discourse. The session also addressed the current situation of Palestinian refugees through a reading of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194.

The situation of Palestinian prisoners was also addressed through a session with Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, which examined prisoners’ rights amid the ongoing violations committed by the Israeli colonial-apartheid regime, as well as the realities of imprisonment and policies of detention.

As part of linking theoretical knowledge to realities on the ground, the program included a visit to Dheisheh Refugee Camp, including an introductory tour of the camp and a visit to a Palestinian family. The visit aimed to provide participants with insight into the everyday experiences of Palestinian refugees and shed light on the Israeli campaign to dismantle and erase Palestinian refugee camps.

The school concluded with a brainstorming session during which participants discussed a range of issues and ideas related to the realities facing Palestinian youth and their role in strengthening national awareness and defending the rights of the Palestinian people. This was followed by a final evaluation session, during which participants reflected on key aspects of the training program and shared their feedback and recommendations for developing future youth programs.

The Al Awda Training Schools are an essential part of the programs implemented by BADIL, which aim to strengthen connections among Palestinian youth in all of Mandatory Palestine, and enhance  their knowledge and skills to raise their voices in demanding the rights of the Palestinian people, particularly Palestinian refugees and internally displaced persons.