Kafr Yasif Local Council

About the Council

The Kafr Yasif Local Council is the beating heart of the town, and is regarded as one of the most interesting and long-standing local authorities in Israel. The Council is responsible for managing the daily life of some 10,500 residents, seeking to balance preservation of the village's rich historical heritage with modern development.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the Council:

1

Identity and Leadership

  • Current leadership: The Council is headed by Mr. Essam Naim Shehadeh (elected in 2024). The current Council leadership places emphasis on transparency, digitization of services, and infrastructure improvement in the old village core.
  • Administrative history: Kafr Yasif holds the distinction of being the first Arab local council recognized in the country (as early as 1925), granting it a position of prestige and extensive experience in self-governance.
2

Council Vision and Priorities

The Council defines itself as a regional educational and cultural center. The 2026 budget priorities focus on:

  • Educational excellence: Massive investment in local schools, considered leaders in the sector, with an emphasis on closing digital gaps.
  • Infrastructure development: Paving internal roads and improving drainage systems (a critical issue during the Galilee winter).
  • Local economy: Encouraging commercial entrepreneurship along the main thoroughfares (Route 70) to increase the Council's revenue from business property tax.
3

Resident Services (Operational Structure)

The Council operates through professional departments that provide services across every area of life:

  • Engineering Division: Responsible for master planning and building permits.
  • Municipal Beautification Department: Responsible for cleanliness, waste collection, and lighting.
  • Social Services Department: Provides assistance and support to families and individuals.
  • Collections Department: Manages property tax and fee payments (payments can also be made online via the Council portal).
4

Emergency Activity

As a town located in the Western Galilee, the Council operates an emergency operations center dedicated to emergency situations. The Council works in close cooperation with the Home Front Command to ensure resident protection and the proper functioning of public shelters.

5

Public Engagement

The Council has recently been investing in improving engagement with residents through:

  • Active Facebook page: Regular updates in Arabic and Hebrew.
  • Reception hours: The head of the Council maintains an open-door policy on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM).
  • Telephone hotline: Available for reporting hazards at 04-9569800.