Strasbourg-Aida Twinning Project Empowers Palestinian Youth with International Law Training
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A groundbreaking initiative is providing young Palestinians in the Aida refugee camp with critical legal skills, aiming to amplify their voices on the international stage. Launched in late December 2025, the twinning project between Strasbourg, France, and the Aida camp – located in the occupied West Bank near Bethlehem – seeks to equip a new generation with the tools to advocate for their rights.
The project, spearheaded by the Strasbourg-based association A Jewish Call for Human Rights, began with training sessions on December 28th for approximately twenty Palestinians aged 19 to 26. The goal is to allow these young people to “plead their case with their own voice,” as articulated by project organizers.
Building a “School of Human Rights” in Aida
The training, held at the Aida camp’s youth center, is led by Yoav Shemer-Kunz, a political science instructor. The curriculum focuses on international law, key international conventions, and an analysis of European legal authorities. Organizers envision this initial phase as a stepping stone toward the establishment of a dedicated “School of Human Rights” within Aida.
According to Shemer-Kunz, a Franco-Israeli activist, the course is designed to “give young people the legal keys so that they can put into words what they experience on a daily basis.” He further explained that the training will empower them to “promote the Palestinian cause through law and international engagement, in diplomacy and with Europe.”
Five young Palestinians are scheduled to travel to Strasbourg following the completion of the training, though a specific date remains to be determined. During their visit, they will engage with local and European officials, students, and leaders of civic organizations.
Supporting Palestinian Resilience Through Legal Advocacy
The Aida camp youth center, a hub for art, culture, and sports, has previously been targeted by Israeli military raids. Shemer-Kunz emphasizes that this training represents a vital form of support for “cultural resistance and Palestinian identity in the face of occupation and apartheid” in the West Bank.
Established in 1950, the Aida camp is home to roughly 7,000 residents, situated adjacent to the separation wall between the West Bank and Israel. Saed Zain, project manager at the Aida youth center, highlighted the challenges faced by young people in the camp, stating they experience “restrictions on movement and constant exposure to violence.” Shemer-Kunz added that living conditions have become increasingly difficult since 2023, with residents feeling “locked up, surrounded by the Israeli army.”
A Citizen-Led Initiative Fosters Franco-Palestinian Ties
A Jewish Appeal for Human Rights aims to “promote Jewish and Israeli voices for Palestinian rights and peace in the Middle East” through this initiative. The association has already secured 5,000 euros in funding from the City of Strasbourg, but an additional 5,000 euros is needed to fully realize the project, including the visit to Strasbourg.
To bridge this funding gap, the association has launched a crowdfunding campaign. According to Shemer-Kunz, this campaign will “bring to life a citizen axis Strasbourg – Aïda” and provide residents of Strasbourg with a tangible opportunity to “get involved in a concrete way in twinning.”
Individuals interested in supporting the project can contribute through the association’s crowdfunding platform. This initiative represents a powerful example of grassroots diplomacy, offering a pathway for Palestinian youth to navigate the complexities of international law and advocate for a more just future.
