Council Vision
The vision of the Kafr Yasif Local Council, as expressed in the 2026 work plans under the leadership of Essam Naeem Shehadeh, rests on three central pillars: excellence in education, community resilience and urban innovation. The council strives to preserve the village's standing as the "capital of culture and education of the Galilee", while turning it into a smart, modern town.
1
Education First
This has been the heart of the village's vision for decades. The council sees education as the key to social and economic mobility:
- Academic excellence: Aspiring to some of the highest matriculation (Bagrut) eligibility rates in the country, with an emphasis on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
- Informal education: Investment in community centers, youth movements and enrichment clubs after school hours.
- Learning infrastructure: Establishing "smart campuses" equipped with the most advanced learning technologies.
2
Economic Development and Financial Autonomy
In order not to rely solely on government budgets, the council is working toward economic independence:
- Employment and commercial zones: Accelerated development of commercial areas along Route 70 and encouragement of local businesses (business property tax is the council's growth engine).
- Tourism and culture: Branding Kafr Yasif as a culinary and historical tourism destination, making use of the ancient buildings at the village's core.
3
Quality of Life and Innovation (Smart Village)
Improving the public space for residents:
- Digital revolution: Making all council services (payments, requests, certificates) accessible online 24/7.
- Sustainability and environment: Promoting green energy projects (solar panels on public buildings), waste recycling and cultivating green lungs within the village.
- Infrastructure and transportation: Solving congestion problems on the main artery and improving road safety.
4
Coexistence and Social Values
Preserving Kafr Yasif's unique model as a town where Christians, Muslims, and Druze live together with mutual respect:
- Tolerance: Holding shared cultural events for all communities.
- Personal security: Strengthening the municipal policing system and installing camera systems ("a city without violence") to enhance residents' sense of security.
Kafr Yasif's Visionary Model
The vision translates into a structure where the community is at the center, surrounded by a framework of professional services:
Our vision is to make Kafr Yasif a model to emulate for the entire Arab sector in Israel – a town that combines higher education, a strong economy and an uncompromising quality of life.