In recent years, an interesting phenomenon has developed in the Arab communities, especially in Christian communities or those with a great affinity for Christians and Christianity. For Christmas and the New Year, festivals and Christmas markets are being organized one after the other. Musical events, dances, exhibitions, activities and food stalls, reminiscent of the holiday atmosphere in Europe.

And this is not just the case in Haifa and Nazareth, who are already used to welcoming visitors from all over the country this season. Local festivals are held every year in Pasuta, Miyilla, Kfar Yasif or Shefar'am, and they bring together many young people who volunteer and invest their time to make these events a success. Many families and businesses make a living from festival days, local authorities receive rewards, and the festive venues attract domestic tourism of hundreds of thousands of visitors, Jews and Arabs alike.

The phenomenon of festivals is an expression of the trend of economic and social development, which among other things affects the culture of entertainment among the Arab population in Israel. Quietly, after the echoes of October 2000, the Arab communities began to fill up - in part again - in places of entertainment, restaurants and bustling shopping areas. Large and leading chains seek to enter the Arab communities: not only restaurants and fast food but also the marketing, fashion, leisure and other consumer goods chains. Moreover, modern and up-to-date commercial centers have begun to emerge in various localities, and this economic momentum has created tens of thousands of jobs for young people seeking a source of livelihood near their home.

Both routine and holiday periods - the potential has been proven. It is also impossible to ignore the investment of the Ministry of Culture and of various public institutions, such as the Mifal Hapayis, in specially produced events in Arab and Druze localities, with the aim of encouraging domestic tourism in these localities. The special holidays and events in Arab society can contribute to this cultural and economic momentum, especially if planned and coordinated by local authorities and various government ministries.

In order for Arab communities not to continue to be a kind of "sleeping towns" for the residents living there, and not to miss the economic and social potential that has proven itself in recent years, there is a need to think deeply about government investment that will turn Arab communities into places of leisure and tourism. The wealth of archaeological, historical and religious sites, their unique atmosphere, magic and multiculturalism can make so many villages and towns an attractive destination for visitors from abroad and tourists from abroad.

Beyond the huge contribution to the Arab economy in particular and to the local economies in general - think about the contribution of this trend to strengthening the connection between the Arab and Jewish population in Israel. We are not far from the day that tourists from France - and also a family from Rishon Lezion - can order a pampering holiday in the village of Yassif, eat at a restaurant in Pasuta and shop in Nazareth - and more at reasonable prices.