Photo by Elior Ben-Haim
2019
In East Jerusalem, more than 350,000 Arab residents make up a significant part of the city’s population. A large share of them are children and teenagers growing up in densely populated communities where opportunities for structured after-school activities are limited. For many young people in these neighborhoods, public spaces designed specifically for youth development have historically been scarce. The creation of the Wadi Joz Youth Center emerged from an effort to respond to this need by offering a dedicated place where young residents could gather, learn, and grow within their own community.
The Wadi Joz Youth Center opened in 2020 with the generous support of the Hassenfeld Family Foundation and in partnership with the Jerusalem Foundation and the Municipality of Jerusalem. Located in the Wadi Joz neighborhood of East Jerusalem, the center represents the first purpose-built youth facility of its kind in the area. Its establishment marked an important step toward strengthening local community infrastructure and expanding opportunities for young people in neighborhoods that have long lacked spaces designed for their social and educational development.
The 400-square-meter building was designed to serve as a flexible community hub for youth activity. The facility includes a multipurpose hall, several activity rooms, staff offices, and an outdoor activity area that allows for sports and group gatherings. During after-school hours, young participants also make use of the grounds of the adjacent school, expanding the possibilities for recreation and programming. The center’s modest scale is balanced by its careful design, which allows the space to accommodate a wide variety of activities throughout the week.
Beyond its physical structure, the Wadi Joz Youth Center plays an important social role within the surrounding neighborhoods. It serves young people from Wadi Joz itself as well as nearby communities including Sheikh Jarrah and other parts of East Jerusalem. For many participants it offers a welcoming environment that encourages both personal development and a sense of belonging. Activities range from sports, music, and cultural programs to community volunteering initiatives that encourage young people to become active members of their neighborhoods. Educational workshops explore themes such as civic responsibility, social engagement, and leadership. Through these programs, participants are encouraged to see themselves not only as students but as individuals capable of contributing to the well-being of their communities.
The center is also home to the only youth movement currently active in the Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem. This presence provides young residents with opportunities to participate in organized youth activities that combine recreation with personal growth, teamwork, and community involvement. By creating a structured yet welcoming environment, the center offers an alternative to the limited recreational options often available in densely built urban neighborhoods.
At its core, the Wadi Joz Youth Center reflects a broader vision shared by the Jerusalem Foundation and its partners. The belief that every young person in Jerusalem deserves access to meaningful educational and social opportunities, regardless of the neighborhood in which they grow up. By investing in youth spaces that promote learning, creativity, and community engagement, the Foundation works to ensure that the city’s next generation can develop the skills and confidence needed to shape their own futures.
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