Videos
We have chosen 50 Reasons for Hope but this is only a partial list. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of organizations and citizens working on behalf of Jerusalem. There is more work to do, but for us, Jerusalem civil society organizations, each individual and organization that works to turn Jerusalem into a better place is a reason for hope.
Click here for an activity outline to assist educators interested in using materials on the 50 Reasons for Hope site for discussion with youth & exposing participants to diverse voices/opinions in Jerusalem
“Giveret im Salim” Woman with Baskets
Every Thursday afternoon, at Jerusalem’s famous, colorful open air market, Hillel students help the elderly carry their heavy shopping bags in exchange for life advice
Rabbi Benny Lau
Rabbi Benny Lau is a trailblazer committed to helping Orthodoxy negotiate a balance between tradition and modernity
Tantur Center
The Tantur Center led by Rabbi Russell MacDugall, seeks to create a bridge, connection and closeness between Christians, Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem
This is Jerusalem! Events
An alternative way to celebrate the week surrounding Jerusalem Day
Mesila (Tracks) Park
A park established in Jerusalem instead of a highway – it connects Jews, Arabs, secular, religious, affluent and poor people around a common lifeline
Jerusalem Pride Parade
The Jerusalem Pride Parade celebrates the diversity of the city and the right of the residents to choose their way of life
Hashgacha Pratit
An alternative system founded by Rabbi Aharon Leibowitz based on values of trust and partnership that allows citizens to adhere to the laws of kashrut
Jerusalem Teachers’ Room
Jewish, Muslim, and Christian teachers meet up for a year-long journey of learning and dialogue
Bezalel Cohen
Rabbi Bezalel Cohen is the head of an innovative Yeshiva that aims to integrate ultra-Orthodox students into broader Israeli society
Tahrir Bar
An innovative bar in the heart of the Mahane Yehuda market that connects all different types of people through a love for music
Saying No to the Landfill
Residents of Jerusalem – Jews, Muslims, Christians, young and old, religious and secular – joined together to protest a trash landfill that was supposed to be constructed in their neighborhood – they won!
Meeting Point
The Jerusalem Movement holds public discussions in Zion Square, open to all, as a result of the murder of a young woman last year at the Jerusalem Pride Parade
Uri Amedi
In recent years, the Mahane Yehuda Market has gone from abandoned and decrepit to the hippest place in Jerusalem
Rashut HaRabim – Shavuot
Every year, the Jerusalem Forum of Jewish Renaissance Organizations creates a map of the various “tikkunei leil Shavuot” – the all-night learning events in Jerusalem, and highlights the diversity of the city
Rabba Tamar Elad Applebaum
Rabba Tamar Elad Appelbaum is the founder of Zion: An Eretz Yisrael Community – a community of Israeli Jews of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, and practices, gathering together to re-dream Jerusalem as a meeting point for all
Racheli Ibenboim
Racheli is the founder and director of Movilot, a vocational leadership organization for ultra-Orthodox women
Mekudeshet
The Sacred Music Festival run by Jerusalem Season of Culture
Hevruta (Shalom Hartman Institute)
A gap-year program that brings Israeli and North Americans together for a year of learning, volunteering, and making Jerusalem a better place