Our Projects.

EMBRACING THE INDIGENOUS

The essence of "Falahi" lies in its commitment to preserving the rich agricultural history of Palestine. It's a day where the scent of the earth mingles with the songs of the farmers, where hands seasoned by the toil of planting and harvesting come together to share stories, knowledge, and the fruits of their labor. It's a communal journey back to the heart of Palestinian identity, a reminder of the integral role agriculture has played in shaping the culture, resilience, and sense of belonging of the Palestinian people.
At "Falahi," the vibrant colors of traditional Palestinian attire are as vivid as the fields in full bloom. The event becomes a living canvas where farming wisdom is exchanged, where seeds of cultural understanding are sown, and where the voices of the farmers echo the harmonious relationship between humans and the land.
This celebration bridges generations, connecting the wisdom of elders who have tended the soil for decades with the curiosity of the youth eager to carry forward the legacy of Palestinian agriculture. It's a living testament to the resilience of Palestinian farmers who, despite challenges, continue to cultivate the land and nurture their communities.
"Falahi" is more than a community event; it's a reminder that Palestinian farming heritage is a treasure worth preserving, a tradition that holds the key to a sustainable future. It's a day when the soil, the people, and the stories of Palestine come together to weave a tapestry of resilience, culture, and hope, ensuring that the legacy of Palestinian farming endures for generations to come.
"Nourishing the Roots: An Introductory Course to Indigenous Farming Heritage" is a transformative educational journey that delves deep into the time-honored practices and profound wisdom of indigenous farming cultures. This course represents not only a tribute to the past but also a beacon of hope for a sustainable and harmonious future.

In "Nourishing the Roots," participants embark on a captivating exploration of the intricate relationship between indigenous communities and the land they have cultivated for centuries. It's a course that unearths the ancient secrets of farming techniques, passed down through generations, which honor the Earth's natural rhythms and the interconnectedness of all living things.

This educational endeavor is a bridge between past and present, inviting learners to step into the footsteps of indigenous farmers who have nurtured the soil and reaped its bounty with reverence and stewardship. Through hands-on experiences, immersive storytelling, and the wisdom of indigenous elders, participants gain insights into the sustainable farming methods, spiritual connections, and traditional knowledge that have sustained indigenous communities for millennia.

"Nourishing the Roots" is more than just an academic pursuit; it's a holistic journey that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit. It invites a deep reflection on our collective responsibility to protect the environment and preserve indigenous wisdom, recognizing that these heritage practices hold the key to a more sustainable future for all.

As participants engage with indigenous farming heritage, they not only gain practical skills but also develop a profound appreciation for the resilience, cultural richness, and spiritual depth of indigenous communities. "Nourishing the Roots" is an invitation to honor the past, learn from it, and sow the seeds of a more sustainable and interconnected world, where indigenous wisdom serves as a guiding light toward a healthier, more harmonious future.

THE DAY AFTER

"Elham - the Day After" draws inspiration from the lessons of Northern Ireland's journey towards peace and reconciliation as we envision a potential future for our region. The Northern Ireland peace process serves as a powerful reminder that even in the most entrenched conflicts, there exists a path towards healing, understanding, and coexistence.
One of the key takeaways from Northern Ireland's experience is the importance of dialogue and engagement. In the face of deep divisions, the willingness to sit down, listen, and seek common ground became the foundation upon which peace was built. "Elham - the Day After" is committed to this principle, recognizing that open and honest conversations are essential to resolving longstanding conflicts and forging a shared vision for the future.
Another vital lesson from Northern Ireland is the role of grassroots initiatives and community-driven efforts. Ordinary people, determined to bridge divides and build trust, played a significant role in shaping the peace process. We, too, believe in the power of individuals and communities to effect change from the ground up. By empowering local voices and fostering connections between Israelis and Palestinians, we hope to create a bottom-up momentum for a more inclusive, equal, and just future.
Additionally, the Northern Ireland experience teaches us about the importance of international support and mediation. External actors played a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and providing a framework for negotiations. "Elham - the Day After" welcomes the involvement of the international community in our efforts, recognizing the value of their expertise, resources, and commitment to peace.
In studying Northern Ireland's journey, we find hope and inspiration in the realization that even in the most challenging circumstances, it is possible to move from conflict to coexistence. The Northern Ireland example underscores that peace is not a destination but an ongoing process, and "Elham - the Day After" is dedicated to embracing this process as we work towards a brighter, more harmonious future for our region.
The Dandelion Project is a transformative initiative that seeks to nurture the seeds of unity, resilience, and hope in the Israeli and Palestinian communities through the medium of activist art, often referred to as "artivism." In a region where conflicts have often overshadowed the profound artistic talent that resides on both sides, this project emerges as a refreshing breeze, carrying the promise of change and collaboration.

Much like the resilient dandelion flower that thrives even in the harshest conditions, The Dandelion Project envisions a future where the creative forces of Israeli and Palestinian artists can flourish, despite the challenging political landscape. Through the powerful medium of artivism, these artists are empowered to voice their dreams, concerns, and visions for a brighter tomorrow.

The Dandelion Project serves as a testament to the belief that art knows no borders. By bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds, it promotes dialogue, understanding, and empathy as the foundations of peace. Through their art, these individuals become ambassadors of change, crafting works that challenge stereotypes, advocate for justice, and highlight the universal values of human rights and freedom.

As these Israeli and Palestinian artists come together, they not only create beautiful and thought-provoking works of art but also build bridges of connection and collaboration. The Dandelion Project encourages them to explore the power of their craft as a tool for social transformation, giving voice to marginalized perspectives and inspiring change in their communities.

Just as a dandelion spreads its seeds far and wide, The Dandelion Project aims to disperse the seeds of hope, inclusivity, and understanding throughout the region. It's a call to recognize the transformative potential of artivism and its capacity to transcend boundaries and create a brighter future for all. In a land often associated with conflict, The Dandelion Project serves as a symbol of resilience, reminding us that even amidst adversity, the blossoms of creativity and unity can thrive.
Welcome to The Lighthouse Project: The creation of a center that will offer and host programs that aspire to research and create a model culture of peace.
This will include things such as education, cross-cultural engagement, retreats, and peace studies; catering to the Middle East North Africa (MENA), and the world. The center will be a place where others will visit to engage in personal healing and transformation, learn new tools and methodologies, rejuvenate themselves when burned out, and simply find space and time to retreat and reconnect with their calling. It will be a place where peace organizations or individuals who align with our values will have space to use the facilities for their own programs and activities.

In addition, the Lighthouse will include an ongoing living community for passionate people to come together for the sake of creating a new model for the MENA region; challenging the status quo of the reality in the region, and creating new approaches and solutions to the pressing issues mentioned above.

Knowing that during these times such a space cannot exist in the MENA, mainly due to different identity groups not being able to live together in the region. We are seeking to create The Lighthouse in nature where we can build an eco-friendly, self-sustaining center and community… It will also be nearby (Mediterranean area) to allow activists and visitors from the region to visit and for those who live in The Lighthouse to easily return to the region to share, engage, hold training, and educate others.

FACILITATE INTER COMMUNAL SOLIDARITY

Creating cultural transformative spaces

Kosmic Kamelz stands as a vibrant theme camp at Burning Man, dedicated to forging a borderless Middle Eastern community that boldly challenges established power dynamics. By harnessing the transformative power of art and embracing a participatory approach, our goal is to narrate a compelling and alternative story about the Middle East.

Established in 2019, Kosmic Kamelz has steadily grown, reaching its zenith in 2023 with a diverse gathering of participants hailing from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco together with Palestinians and Israelis. This melting pot of perspectives enriches our collective narrative, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling about the Middle East.
Forbidden Fruits, a captivating theme camp at Midburn, embraces the spirit of cultural exploration and boundary-pushing. Since its inception in 2019, the camp has evolved into a dynamic hub, reaching its pinnacle in 2023. Drawing participants from diverse backgrounds, Spank al Yahud thrives on the convergence of varied perspectives. Through the immersive experience of art and participatory engagement, the camp crafts a unique narrative, challenging conventional perceptions of the country and fostering a vibrant, borderless community at Midburn.
Al Qarya: A three-day desert gathering inspired by Burning Man, where the sands of Palestine host an immersive celebration of Arabic culture. Through interactive art, music, and shared narratives, Al Qarya fosters an artistic community, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds to co-create a vibrant tapestry of expression and connection in the heart of the desert.
Feminine-led emergent peace and resistance movement, serving as a nexus for activists at a time of unprecedented violence and separation, both in Palestine and Israel, as well as globally. Please support us in gathering 40 peace makers from the region and our allies, for 10 days, outside of Berlin this March. Our mission is to strengthen our capacity for change, heal, learn, and co-create new initiatives and collaborative efforts. Thus, upon returning to our communities in the Middle East, we will begin to re-imagine and re-create what is possible for ourselves and future generations.