Beyond the Headlines Webinar Walk: In the West Bank
Description
How do you imagine daily life under Israeli occupation in the West Bank?
Join Muslim Aid Australia and Rebuilding Alliance for exclusive access to our first-ever Webinar Walk: In the West Bank, taking you Beyond the Headlines and into the realities faced by Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.
You will digitally accompany a walkthrough of designated areas around the Occupied West Bank, and hear firsthand accounts of settler violence and confrontations. From movement restrictions and settlement expansion to the resilience of local communities, this session will provide context often missing from mainstream coverage – and we are so proud to be able to facilitate a real insight into daily life in Palestine, directly from Palestinians on the ground.
Following the walkthrough, a global panel of experts will unpack key themes, share personal insights, and answer audience questions.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE OUR PANELISTS!
Whether you are new to the issue or seeking a deeper understanding, this webinar offers an opportunity to engage critically, listen directly to affected voices, and better understand one of the world's longest-running occupations.
What to expect:
A guided virtual walkthrough of life in the Occupied West Bank
Firsthand perspectives from those living under occupation
Historical and political context from subject matter experts
Insights into the humanitarian impact on Palestinian communities
An opportunity to ask questions during the live Q&A
Post-event access to recorded live session
All funds raised from this event will help provide support to communities in the Occupied West Bank and strengthen efforts to create lasting change for those affected by ongoing occupation and injustice.
Panelists
Eid Hathaleen
Eid Hathaleen is a Palestinian artist, photographer, and advocate from Umm al-Khair in the South Hebron Hills. A longtime community organiser, he has spoken internationally, including twice at the US Congress, about life under occupation. In June 2024, his home was demolished by Israeli forces with minimal notice, yet he continues to advocate for his community amid ongoing settlement expansion and restrictions.
Dr Rassem Khamaisi
Dr. Rassem Khamaisi is a professor of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Haifa, and an urban planner specialising in equitable planning, community development, and peacebuilding. He developed the masterplan for Umm Al Kheir, providing a framework for the village's future growth and planning, and has dedicated his career to advancing social justice through research, planning, and public policy.
Katie Shammas
Katie Shammas is the Executive Officer of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) and an author. She works to advance Palestinian human rights through strategic advocacy, public education, and policy engagement, helping connect developments on the ground in Palestine with opportunities for meaningful action and accountability in Australia.
Aziz Hathaleen
Aziz is the Director of the Umm al-Khair Community Center, and the Coordinator of the Civil Defense group in Umm al Kheir, overseing the legal file for Khirbet Umm al-Khair. He is also a member of the planning team.
Jenna Fischer
Jenna Fischer is the Operations Manager at Rebuilding Alliance and a conflict resolution practitioner with experience at the U.S. Institute of Peace and the U.S. State Department. She is a volunteer in Masafer Yatta with the Center for Jewish Nonviolence, providing protective presence in Umm al-Khair, where she has developed close ties with the community and continues her work in the field today.
Nisreen Malley
Nisreen Malley is the Director of Advocacy at Rebuilding Alliance, where she works to advance equal rights for Palestinian communities through education, policy advocacy, and direct support that helps families access safety, schooling, economic security, and the right to remain in their homes. In her role, she helps amplify the voices of Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers and their communities, translating lived experience into advocacy with policymakers and partners to drive meaningful change on the ground.
Nejmah Haddad
Nejmah Haddad is Rebuilding Alliance Country Representative based in Abu Deis, Jerusalem. Nejmah meets with American congressional staff when they come to the West Bank and shows them the realities of her home in Abu Deis. She is also a lawyer dealing with civil cases and conducts legal translation.
Agenda
- 5:00 am - 5:10 am
Welcome & Introduction
Opening remarks. Overview of the session and speakers.
- 5:10 am - 5:45 am
Webinar Walkthrough: Inside the Occupied West Bank
Guided virtual tour featuring on-the-ground footage and stories. Key locations, checkpoints, settlements, and community perspectives.
- 5:45 am - 6:30 am
Expert Panel Discussion
Reflections on the walkthrough. Understanding the broader political and humanitarian context. What daily life under occupation means in practice.
- 6:30 am - 6:45 am
Audience Q&A
Live questions from attendees.
- 6:45 am - 7:00 am
Closing Remarks
Key takeaways. Ways to stay engaged and informed.
FAQs
- Where can I find out more about Beyond the Headlines campaign?
Visit Muslim Aid Australia's website at https://maainternational.org.au/end-of-financial-year/ to learn more.
For more information on our advocacy work, visit: https://maainternational.org.au/advocacy/our-work/
- Who is Rebuilding Alliance?
Rebuilding Alliance are one of MAA's advocacy partners for this campaign. Their team is based all over the world, with their advocacy work primarily based in the United States of America - using the powerful and real stories of Palestinians to genuinely shift policy. They do extensive humanitarian work all across Palestine, including the West Bank and Gaza, including direct aid, advocacy and sustainable development.
- Why should I attend this Webinar?
This webinar offers a unique opportunity to move beyond headlines and statistics to better understand the lived reality of Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank. Through a guided virtual walkthrough, firsthand perspectives, and expert analysis, you'll gain deeper insight into how occupation impacts everyday life, communities, and human rights. Whether you're looking to learn more, engage critically with current events, or hear directly from those closest to the issue, this session will provide valuable context and an opportunity to ask questions in a respectful, informative setting.
- Will the Webinar be recorded?
Yes. All registered participants will receive a recording of the Webinar Walk.
- Is my Webinar ticket tax deductible?
Yes! MAA International/Muslim Aid Australia holds Deductible Gift Recipient eligibility. This means that any donation amount over $2 is tax deductible before 30 June 2026.
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