Covers April 2025 – March 2026
Presented at the DNTA AGM on 30th June 2026
You can also read this as a PDF: DNTA Convener’s Report 2025-26
Determination, Resilience and Hope in Nablus
I am sitting down to write this the morning after a zoom conversation with the new Mayor of Nablus, Anan K. Atteereh.
It is a truly wonderful cause for celebration that Nablus has its first woman Mayor. Having a long history of political involvement, Anan gave representatives of DNTA, Sheffield, Boulder and Brent an hour of her time to discuss better ways of working together and coordinating initiatives from Nablus’ twin cities.
Occupation
The occupation, however, rages unabated. This meeting, full of positivity and hope, went ahead while illegal settlers were attacking another part of the city.
The population of Nablus, its community leaders and council representatives refuse to bow down to the combined terrorism of the Israeli state and colonial settlers. They refuse to normalise the occupation. They continue to resist by maintaining their dignity and asserting their right to self-determination and freedom.
International Solidarity
The Mayor looked forward to working with us and welcoming us in Nablus and to visiting Dundee. She expressed her heartfelt belief that twinning is an act of international solidarity and was appreciated and meaningful for people in Palestine.
Every time we speak with friends from Nablus, it is an inspiration for us to continue our work. Despair is not an option.
Our Commitment
I am proud, that again, over the last year, members and friends of DNTA have dedicated so much of their time and effort into building friendship and understanding between our two cities; not just at municipal level but within our schools and communities. We are helping to change the narrative by highlighting genocide, ethnic cleansing and occupation.
I am sure we will continue to do so in the coming year.
Appreciation
Thank you everyone who makes DNTA a vibrant, dedicated organisation. Particular thanks to the committee members who are unsung heroes for their tireless efforts.
Activities
DNTA has done so much over the last year, this report would be pages long if I listed every event. Our monthly newsletter, put together by Mike and Nick is a record of all our public work. I will therefore highlight just a few events
Council support
In September, Dundee City Council passed a motion condemning the continuing genocide in Gaza and the increasing attacks on our twin city.
We were delighted to see this support from councillors and for their declared intentions to continue to support Nablus.
Celebrating 45 years
Our 45th Anniversary in November was a very special evening. Nehad Khanfar, Councillor Nadia El Nakla, Ambassador Zomlot and Mayor Shaakshir (via Zoom) and Mike Arnott spoke to a packed audience about our history, our present and future as an organisation.
Monthly meetings
We continue to have monthly public meetings and try to have speakers from Palestine or people who have recently visited. Our speakers this year have been Ala Yousef, Ala Mustafa, Matthew Teller & Mahmoud Muna, Kate Khair, David Myles, Florence Germain, Sandra Horne, Xavier Abu Eid and Tasame Ramadan. We are grateful for their insights and for sharing their invaluable experience with us.
International Women’s Day
Our International Women’s Day films were once more a sellout. People were particularly moved by how prescient Frontiers of Dreams and Fears was and we thank Christine, Florence and Viviane for their work on this. We also want to thank the DCA for its commitment to showing Palestinian film.
Photo Exhibition
Our photo exhibition has been all over the place – even Glasgow! Thanks to Nick for making this happen.
Community Engagement
We have given talks to community groups, trade union groups and schools across the city. This is part of an ongoing programme to build links at grass roots level between folk in Dundee and Nablus.
Active Solidarity
Our practical solidarity has taken the form of our ongoing campaign to work with FONSA to train nurses and midwives in Nablus. Your generosity has meant that we have raise thousands of pounds this year ensuring that the students can complete their courses and go on to work in the community in Nablus. Thanks to the trade unions, churches and individuals who support this campaign.
We have also contributed to providing equipment for the new medical centre at Askar refugee camp.
It takes energy and involvement
As I have said, these are only examples of the public work of the organisation. Events don’t happen by magic. Behind the scenes, folk are busy coordinating, planning and carrying out activities as agreed in our yearly strategic plan. Please join us and give what time and expertise you can.
Be assured, our work matters in Palestine.
Mary McGregor
Convener
June 2026
DNTA Committee Members 2025-26
These are last year’s Management Committee members:
| Arlene Rashwan | Membership Secretary & Schools Liaison | |
| Bill Campbell | Lord Provost (ex officio) | |
| Christine Issa | Minutes Secretary | |
| Freya Payne | Committee Member | |
| Florence Germain | Vice-Convener | |
| Kate Khair | Committee Member (co-opted) | |
| Mary McGregor | Convener | |
| Mary McLaren | Committee Member (co-opted) | |
| Marysia Kobylaska O’Sullivan | Committee Member | |
| Mike Arnott | Trades Union Liaison | |
| Mike Whitehead | Treasurer | |
| Mohamad Issa | Committee Member | |
| Nick Steff | Secretary & Events Coordinator | |
| Ruth Forbes Durnin | Committee Member | |
| Ryan Swan | Student Liaison | |
| Tanaiste Eustance | Committee Member (co-opted) | |
| Vanessa Stark | Committee Member |