Zeaid Abbas
– Ziad Abbas
Ziad Abbas is considered one of the prominent figures in community and development work, and he is among the founding members of the Ibda’a Center in Dheisheh Refugee Camp – Bethlehem. From the earliest stages of the institution, he contributed to laying its intellectual and organizational foundations, which later became one of the leading cultural, sports, and community institutions in Palestine. His name has been closely associated with the founding phase of the center, through his contribution to shaping its overall vision based on empowering the Palestinian people, particularly youth and children, and enhancing their role in society through culture, arts, sports, and volunteer work.
During the founding phase, Ziad Abbas played an important role in supporting the idea of establishing a comprehensive community institution within Dheisheh Refugee Camp, serving as a safe space for creativity, expression, and capacity building, despite the social and economic challenges faced by the camp’s residents. He also contributed to developing the concept of institutional work within Ibda’a Center by promoting the idea of sustainable, long-term programs aimed at building people rather than providing short-term services. This helped establish the institution’s identity as an integrated developmental framework.
On the community level, he played a significant role in supporting youth initiatives and promoting volunteerism within the camp. He worked to strengthen a culture of community participation among young men and women and to provide an enabling environment that encourages them to express themselves and actively contribute to the development of their society. He also helped build bridges of cooperation between the institution and the local community, which enhanced Ibda’a’s ability to implement its various cultural, sports, and social programs.
On the cultural level, Ziad Abbas supported the artistic and cultural programs launched by Ibda’a Center, including theater, literature, and various creative activities. He believed in the role of culture as a fundamental tool for building national and social awareness and strengthening Palestinian identity, especially among younger generations. He also supported initiatives aimed at preserving Palestinian memory and documenting the refugee camp experience through literature and art.
On the sports level, he contributed to supporting the institution’s vision of integrating sports into community work by encouraging various athletic activities that promote discipline, teamwork, and character building. Sports became an essential component of Ibda’a’s system rather than merely a recreational activity.
Internationally, Ziad Abbas currently serves as the Executive Director of the Mekkah Foundation in the United States of America, a humanitarian and development-focused organization working in multiple fields. In this role, he contributes to program and project management, policy development, and building partnerships with international institutions, reflecting his extensive experience in administrative and development work at a global level. Through his international work, he continues to support humanitarian and development causes while maintaining a strong connection to Palestinian community work.
Ziad Abbas represents a leadership model that combines local founding experience in Palestine with international development and managerial expertise. His contributions to establishing and developing Ibda’a Center, along with his continued humanitarian and institutional work abroad, reflect a comprehensive vision of community empowerment, sustainable development, and humanitarian service.
