The WEBNA Conference, the first internet and digital conference of its kind for Israel’s Arab community, was held on June 10, 2024 at the Al-Khwarizmi Center in Umm al-Fahm. The event was a joint venture of the Israel Internet Association and the Arab Forum for Digital Inclusion in Israel. The conference featured lectures and panel discussions that addressed the unique characteristics and challenges of internet use in Arab society, with a particular focus on raising awareness about internet safety.
The conference presented findings from a new in-depth study by the Israel Internet Association on internet infrastructure and usage patterns in Arab society. Experts, researchers, and key figures in Israel’s internet and civil society sectors presented on various issues specific to Arab society, including network infrastructure, accessibility of essential digital government services, online safety, freedom of expression in the digital space, artificial intelligence, and content creation.
Highlights from the Conference
The keynote speaker was Hassan Twafra, Director of the Authority for Economic Development of the Arab Minority. He presented data on government programs and stated goals as compared with the current reality, emphasizing the many opportunities the internet offers alongside the challenges and difficulties facing Arab society.
For the first time, Dr. Jonathan Mendels presented the findings of his study “Connected but not Equal,” which addresses barriers to digital equality and online safety in Arab society in Israel. The research, conducted with the support of ISOC-IL, highlights the various aspects of life affected by the digital divide, resulting in a lack of skills and digital literacy and increasing vulnerability online.
Nabil Armaly moderated an enlightening panel on infrastructure and the accessibility of government services featuring participation from government officials, local authorities in Arab towns and cities, and representatives from civil and business organizations. The panel participants were Hanan Haddad Haj, spokesperson of the Ministry of Justice to Arab media; Adam Alafinsh, strategic planning manager of the municipality in the Arab town Rahat; Attorney Amir Basharat, CEO of the National Committee of Arab Local Authorities; Bayan Majadly, director of the legal rights information portal “Kol Zchut” in Arabic and Russian; and Hassan Abbasi, CEO and co-founder of HAAT, a food delivery service that caters to underserved geographical areas. The discussion pointed to significant gaps and underscored the potential for real change through the collaborative efforts of civil society, researchers, and government actors.
We were pleased to host Liron Rifman, Director of Public Policy and Government Relations at TikTok Israel, for a discussion on ways to combat violence on the TikTok platform within the Arab community. We appreciate the positive steps TikTok has taken as one of Israel’s leading platforms and remain hopeful that it will continue to address the needs of all its communities with meaningful and responsible actions.
Dr. Hama Abu-Kishk shared findings from her new study, The Spiral of Silence: The Digital Space in Arab Society, which reflects a sense of silencing among Arabs on social media. This phenomenon is further exacerbated by Mendels’ data published in the study Connected but not Equal, indicating that the Arab population uses social media networks at a higher rate than other groups.
We proudly launched the Arabic version of our educational project fakeornot.org.il in collaboration with the Mofet Institute and the Israel Democracy Institute. The project provides free tools and lesson plans for educators, with information, examples and activities focused on civic media literacy. These resources can be used independently to equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed for teaching in both formal and informal educational and social settings.
Another panel on content creation and social networks, moderated by Anas Abu Daabis, featured content creators and social media experts: Dr. Aisha Agbaria, researcher of new media and identity at the Open University; Samaher Said Salama, actress and content creator empowering Arab women; journalist Hassan Shaalan, responsible for Arab society coverage for news website Ynet and newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth; and Hassan Abu-Shali, a technological entrepreneur and social innovator. The panel participants explored the role of content creators in Arab society, highlighting how the unique characteristics of internet use in this community influence content creation.
We concluded with an engaging and interactive session on AI led by Hassan Abu Shali, who involved the audience in collaboratively creating a product using artificial intelligence.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and guests, as well as to the members of the Arab Forum for Digital Inclusion in Israel for orchestrating such a dynamic program. A special thank you goes to the Umm al-Fahm Municipality and the Al-Khwarizmi Center for hosting the conference.
Visit our Bridging the Digital Divide page for more information on ISOC-IL’s digital inclusion activities.
