Heritage and Folklore Committee

Mr. Amer Mohammad Awawdeh – Palestine (President Committee)

a historian, writer, and heritage researcher from Kafr Kanna – Nazareth District (Palestine), also works as a tour guide and Sharia arbitrator, in addition to lecturing in schools and participating in television programs on history and cultural heritage. He has authored several works documenting national memory and Palestinian heritage, most notably Kafr Kanna: History and Heritage, Stories and Sacrifices from My Homeland, and Landmarks from My Country (electronic edition), alongside numerous articles published in Arabic newspapers. He also manages a YouTube channel under his name, “Amer Awawdeh”, where he presents cultural and historical content that reflects his deep commitment to Palestinian identity and heritage.

Mrs. Naileh Lebs – Palestine

is a retired music teacher, former journalist, and a dedicated researcher of women’s songs in Palestinian folklore. She has devoted her career to preserving popular memory and documenting traditional songs that reflect the spirit and cultural identity of Palestinian women. She is the author of six specialized books, including: Women’s Folkloric Songs for Engagement and Marriage, Our Nazareth Songs: From Sham and to Sham, Motherhood and Childhood in Palestinian Folklore – Ya Setti, Ya Setti, From Our Popular Beliefs – The Evil Eye, Qreimsheh Ya Qreimsheh, and her notable study I Dressed You in White, which explores the transformations of the Palestinian bride between the 1950s and the 1980s. Beyond her publications, Naileh Lebs has delivered numerous lectures in clubs and schools, and contributed to renowned cultural programs with the artist Dalal Abu Amneh, including Ya Setti, Mishwar Setti, and most recently Ya Setti Children, presented in the United States. Her works stand as a valuable reference in safeguarding Palestinian women’s folkloric songs and preserving cultural identity.

Dr. Idrees Mohammed Saqr Jaradat – Palestine

is a researcher, academic, and psychologist, holding a PhD in Comparative Education and Educational Administration from Ain Shams University in Cairo. He has lectured at several Palestinian universities and served as a specialist and advisor in inclusive education and special education at the Palestinian Ministry of Education until 2025. He is the founder and director of the Sanabel Center for Studies and Folklore Heritage in Sa’ir – Hebron, and editor-in-chief of Sanabel Journal. Dr. Jaradat has published numerous educational and heritage studies in peer-reviewed Arab and international journals and authored multiple books on Palestinian folklore and cultural heritage. He has participated in more than one hundred academic, educational, and cultural conferences and delivered lectures at national and international forums. He is an active member of several Arab and international scientific and cultural associations and has received multiple awards, including the Excellence Shield from the Palestinian Ministry of Education in 2017, recognizing him as one of the most creative figures in preserving Palestinian folklore.

Mr. Marwan Ali Mustafa Anabtawi – Palestine

is a researcher and trainer in mechanics and education, born in Damascus in 1952. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Damascus (1977) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Vocational Training from UNESCO (1989). He obtained several international certifications in automotive and diesel mechanics from the United Kingdom and Japan, in addition to educational and administrative training programs with the United Nations. His career includes serving as a technical supervisor at the General Petroleum Company, trainer and Head of the Mechanics Department at the UN-affiliated Damascus Training Center (1981–2009), and history teacher in Syrian schools. In 1998, he was also appointed as a certified expert in traffic accident investigations with the Syrian General Insurance Corporation. Fluent in Arabic, with proficiency in English and Swedish, he currently resides in Nyköping, Sweden.

Mrs. Fathiya Al-Khatib – Palestine

is a prominent cultural and social figure. She previously served as a member of the local council and currently holds the position of Coordinator of Culture and Literature at the Kafr Kanna Community Center. She earned her bachelor’s degree in literature and Sociology from the Open University and has completed numerous certifications and training programs in diverse fields, including first aid, computer skills, secretarial studies, Hebrew and English languages, medicinal herbs, and business administration. She has presented cultural and heritage programs on Radio Al-Shams and Radio Al-Basma – Nablus, and appeared on Masawe Channel television programs. In addition, she delivers lectures and cultural activities in schools, clubs, and community centers. Her contributions extend to major festivals and national events such as the Olive and Olive Oil Festival, the Pomegranate Festival, and Land Day, where she actively promotes culture, heritage preservation, and the strengthening of Palestinian identity.

Mr. Malik Khidr Al-Mahdi Mohammed – Sudan

is a legal consultant, lawyer before all courts, and an architect who previously worked at the Ministry of Urban Planning – Buildings and Constructions Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Khartoum Applied College and a bachelor’s in law from Al-Neelain University, in addition to postgraduate diplomas in Law, Arbitration, and Computer Studies. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in law and is close to completing a bachelor’s in political science. He has undertaken studies at the Security Academy in National Security and completed advanced courses in organizational management and community work. Founder of Shabtaka for Technical Engineering, he is also active in culture, literature, and the arts through membership in several Sudanese and Arab literary forums. He has contributed to projects in water harvesting, agro-industries, and livestock development, and is recognized for his skills in negotiation, arbitration, innovation, and teamwork management.

Mr. Carlos Isaac – Egypt

is a 36-year-old Egyptian poet and writer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in financial accounting, yet chose the path of literature and poetry as his voice to reflect human concerns and everyday struggles. He published a poetry collection titled “Al-‘Asham Min Badri Mat” (“Hopes Died Too Early”), which captures his personal experiences and social observations through a genuine and accessible poetic style. He has participated in literary evenings and cultural events in Egypt, with several of his works featured in cultural platforms and journals. Known for blending human sentiment with imagination, he continues to build his literary presence as one of the promising young voices in Egypt’s contemporary poetic scene.