About
Background
Scene48 (officially registered as Faraa Maai, which in Arabic means ‘it matters to me’) is an independent Arab media platform founded in 1948 territories, distinguished by its pioneering female leadership. Our work centers on political, social, and cultural issues, always prioritizing a progressive, human-centered approach to human rights. We are not affiliated with any political party or commercial entity, nor do we follow any external agenda. Instead, we are committed to expressing principled, progressive views that champion human dignity and fundamental rights.
Scene48 is a registered association. Our content is developed by a professional editorial board in collaboration with leading academics, journalists, and cultural figures. Since our launch in February 2021, we have published dozens of monthly newsletters covering a wide range of topics.
Vision
We aspire to be a leading independent Arab media platform, driven by women. Scene48 serves as a two-way window: on one side, we reflect the concerns and aspirations of Palestinians both inside and outside their homeland; on the other, we engage with global and regional developments that impact our communities. We welcome contributions from Arab voices everywhere, enriching our content and broadening our impact.
Mission
Our mission is to communicate our complex reality as Palestinians—professionally, honestly, and without bias—to our immediate environment and the wider world. We strive to connect with our natural political and cultural surroundings, overcoming the many political and social barriers imposed upon us.
Editorial Policy
Scene48 provides space for contributions from experts in academia, professional fields, and civil society, as well as regular input from established writers, bloggers, and media professionals. Initially, we focused on leading Palestinian voices from within the 1948 territories. Now, four years on, we have expanded our reach to become a platform for all Palestinians—content creators, contributors, and audiences alike—including prominent voices from across the Arab world.
The opinions expressed in the various contributions published on Scene48 are those of the individual authors and presenters alone, and do not necessarily represent the views or stance of Scene48 (including those of Faraa Maai) or its editorial team.
Donations & Funding
The organization is primarily funded through grants from institutional foundations, along with support from individual donors.
Transparency
Annual audit and financial reports for Faraa Maai – To Promote Independent Arab Media (R.A.), as submitted to the Israeli Registrar of Non-Profits, are available on the Guidestar Israel website (in Hebrew).
Our NGO registration documents can be accessed here (Hebrew), and our Certificate of Proper Management from the Israeli NGO Registrar for 2025 is available here (Hebrew).
The private donations have been made directly to us. At the end of this section, you will find additional information regarding donations from foreign entities.
Over the years, our organization has received grants from the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, both recognized as “foreign state entities” under Israeli law.
EED grants from 2022 to 2025 supported operational and editorial costs related to the Scene48 platform. In 2025, Rosa Luxemburg Foundation grants were designated for the production of Scene48 podcasts featured in our English bulletins.
Support Us
Independent Arab media faces immense political, economic, and social challenges. As a nonprofit dedicated to independent journalism, we invite individuals and organizations to support our mission. Your support is vital for sustaining and expanding Scene48, and for strengthening its impact in our society and beyond.
Our Team
Staff
Sanaa Hammoud –General Director & Chief Editor
Ahmed Yasin– Associate Editor
Toufek Nattour - Digital Marketing
Abd Alqader Abd Elhalem - Digital Marketing
Abeer Shehadeh – Outreach & Resource Development Coordinator
Mwafaq Odeh – Video Maker
Elias Marjieh – Podcasts Editor
Mohammad Abu Ez Mahameed - Linguistic Editor
Marwa Magadleh - Organizational Consultant
Ahmad Younes - Graphic Designer
Editorial Board
Sanaa Hammoud
Ahmed Yasin
Samah Bsoul
Kholoud Masalha
Shireen Younes
Board
Dr. Jacqueleen Joubran Abu Daoud
Ayat Istaitih
Lubna Tabony Jabarin
Elham Billan Daaboul
Maisa Khdiri
Nisreen Jabareen
Raghda Awad
Founding Members
Sanaa Hammoud
Minem Marouf
Dr. Jacqueleen Joubran Abu Daoud
Ayat Istaitih
Lubna Tabony Jabarin
Elham Billan Daaboul
Maisa Khdiri
Nisreen Jabareen
Dr. Rawia Aburabia
Legal Adviser
Abeer Baker
Nariman Shehade Zoabi
Accountants
Obaida Zoabi
Namrod Shalabi
Contributors
Samah Bsoul
Abeer Baker
Hedaya Shamun
Baker Zoubi
Marwa Magadleh - Badran
Hanan Marjieh
Ahmaed Yasin
Dr. Elias Zeidan
Site Design & Development
Averotech
(Suliman Shahbari)
Leadnet Ltd.
(Shady Diab and Bassam Loulou)
Video
Light Frame Ltd.
(Mwafaq Odeh)
Podcast
Elias Marjieh
Branding
Saleh Ali Khalil
Publications Design
Ahmad Younes
Marwa Magadleh - Badran
Tholth Design