Jaffa Heritage Center
Jaffa’s heritage is a rich mosaic of communities, generations, and stories.
Heritage Center
We believe that only through a deep understanding of Jaffa's diverse past a genuine partnership will be built.
The Jaffa heritage initiative seeks to establish a first-of-its-kind heritage center that will focus on preserving and presenting Jaffa’s cultural, social, and anthropological heritage—a city with thousands of years of history, once a vibrant Palestinian cultural and economic center, and also the main gateway for Jewish immigration until the late 1930s.
For generations, Jaffa functioned as the main gateway to the country, for merchants and Jewish immigrants alike. Through exhibitions, reconstructions of daily life, resident testimonies, and educational programming, the center will make Jaffa’s story accessible to future generations.
The initiative aims to give meaningful expression to Jaffa’s Palestinian heritage as well as the Jewish heritage, while creating a shared space for recognition, learning, and connection between Jews and Arabs. It represents both a step toward historical justice and a strengthening of local identity in the face of ongoing urban and social challenges.
Our Impact
A common vision
Convened a people’s assembly with residents of Jaffa and community based civil society organizations to discuss and agree on the vision of the heritage center
Expert committee
Convened a multidisciplinary body to develop the concept further
Institutional buy-in
Liaised with relevant Tel Aviv Municipality functions to present community resolutions, and discuss options onwards
Academic partnership
Enlisted an academic partner to support and co-lead the initiative
Role of the Organization
Uncovering Jaffa’s diverse past to build genuine partnership
By convening community voices, leading an expert committee to shape the center’s concept, and actively advocating with the municipality to bring this shared vision to life.
More of our Impact
Conference on Shared Cities
An Annual Conference for shared and Mixed Cities in Jaffa connecting civil society, municipal leadership, academia, and social organizations to advance shared living.
Education for the Future
Kulna Yaffa strengthens the local fabric through community-led initiatives, including grassroots campaigns, neighborhood walking tours, and excellence in formal and informal education.
De-escalation of conflict
Community De-escalation and Personal Safety
Community resilience is measured by the ability to sustain trust during periods of tension.
The Power to Shape Reality Is in Our Hands
Jaffa is built by people who choose to act.
We invite you to join a growing network of residents, activists, and partners who believe that partnership is not just a word it is a way of life.