Abstract:
This working paper is the result of a short research project of the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP). The objective of this paper is to provide a detailed
account of the zakat committees in the local context of the West Bank by relying mainly on
Palestinian sources and the internal political debate. The zakat committees have evolved
in a changing socio-political context under Israeli occupation and successive Jordanian and
Palestinian authority. This working paper explores how political shifts in recent years have
led in particular to the politicization of their role. Based on information gathered, the author
concludes that since their establishment, the West Bank zakat committees were, by and
large, tactful and efficient grassroots organizations that strengthened local response systems and self-reliance while minimizing dependency and victimhood.
