Thanks to the continuous commitment and coordination of Hala Montaser Mahmoud, OIPA’s Representative in Palestine, OIPA Palestine’s volunteer teams are carrying out awareness initiatives aimed at promoting a more informed, humane and responsible approach to stray dog management.

As part of these efforts, the volunteers recently visited An-Najah National University and Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie in Tulkarm, engaging directly with students and opening a constructive conversation about one of the most important animal welfare challenges affecting local communities.

During the initiative, volunteers conducted in-depth interviews with students from both universities to better understand their perceptions, concerns and personal experiences regarding stray dogs.

These conversations offered valuable insight into how the issue is viewed by younger generations and highlighted the importance of providing accurate and reliable information to overcome fear, prejudice and common misconceptions.

The volunteers did not simply collect opinions. They also shared medical, veterinary and scientific information about humane and effective approaches to managing stray dog populations, highlighting the importance of prevention, responsible pet ownership, vaccination, sterilisation and cooperation between communities, institutions and professionals.

By bringing the discussion directly onto university campuses, OIPA Palestine created a space where students could ask questions, express their concerns and learn more about solutions that protect animal welfare while also safeguarding public health.

As part of the initiative, the team also conducted an in-depth interview with specialist Dr Nemer Khraim, who shared his professional perspective on the issue and explained how medical and scientific approaches can contribute to responsible, humane and sustainable solutions.

The interview will support OIPA Palestine’s online awareness activities, allowing the team to reach a wider audience and promote a more informed, balanced and constructive public debate.

The initiative was coordinated in the field by Mai, Field Initiatives Coordinator for OIPA Palestine, together with Hamza Al-Qub, Diaa, Hamada, Dr. Hazem,  and a dedicated group of volunteers whose commitment and participation made the activities possible.

Their collective work demonstrates how young people, volunteers, universities and professionals can become powerful agents of change.

Through dialogue, education and direct community engagement, OIPA Palestine is helping to replace misinformation with knowledge and fear with a deeper understanding of animals.

Because meaningful change begins with awareness  and every informed voice can help build a safer and more compassionate future for both people and animals.

L'articolo OIPA Palestine Raises Awareness of Stray Dog Management Among University Students proviene da OIPA.

Hala is a law graduate and Honor College graduate from An-Najah National University with a strong background in volunteer work, environmental advocacy, and animal welfare. During her university years, she actively collaborated with the university’s Animal Welfare Society as Public Relations Officer and participated in several awareness and community initiatives focused on the protection of animals and the environment.

Raised in the city of Tulkarm, Hala developed from an early age a deep connection with animals and a strong belief that every living being deserves dignity, protection, and compassion. Her experience working with animal welfare initiatives further strengthened her commitment to promoting humane treatment, responsible coexistence, and greater public awareness regarding animal protection in Palestine.

Animal welfare in Palestine continues to face significant challenges, including limited public awareness, the absence of comprehensive animal welfare legislation, and difficulties linked to the management of stray animal populations, particularly in rural areas. Through her role with OIPA, Hala aims to contribute to long-term and sustainable solutions based on education, cooperation, and community involvement.

As OIPA’s representative in Palestine, Hala will work on several initiatives, including:

• Promoting awareness on animal welfare and humane treatment
• Supporting sustainable and humane solutions for stray animals
• Encouraging cooperation with veterinarians, schools, universities, and local communities
• Developing educational activities for children and youth
• Promoting the reporting of animal abuse cases
• Expanding volunteer engagement across different governorates
•  Supporting future vaccination and community animal welfare campaigns

Hala is also committed to strengthening dialogue with local institutions and encouraging greater community participation in projects dedicated to animal protection and environmental responsibility.

OIPA ETS warmly welcomes Hala Montaser Naim Mahmoud to its international network and looks forward to supporting her future activities for animals and communities across Palestine

L'articolo OIPA ETS Welcomes Hala Montaser Naim Mahmoud as Country Representative in Palestine proviene da OIPA.