Aljisrawi Heritage Center hosted on Friday the “Athar | Leadership in Movement and Space” group as part of a field visit to Jisr al-Zarqa, attended by male and female community leaders from Segev Shalom. The visit was part of a program connecting the environment, public space, and community leadership through field-based learning and encounters with inspiring initiatives and influential community figures.

During the meeting, Sami Al-Ali, Director of Aljisrawi Heritage Center and a researcher, delivered an extensive presentation on the reality of Jisr al-Zarqa, addressing the social, planning, and environmental challenges facing the village, as well as its history, identity, and collective memory. He also spoke about the continued resilience of its residents and their steadfast attachment to their land and coastline despite decades of marginalization and restrictive policies.

Al-Ali emphasized that Jisr al-Zarqa is not merely the subject of a passing issue, but a comprehensive human story embodying struggle, belonging, dignity, and commitment to identity. He stressed the importance of building genuine human partnerships based on knowledge, listening, and engaging with people’s stories and lived experiences.

The meeting also highlighted the role of Aljisrawi Heritage Center in documenting and preserving collective memory, strengthening community and cultural belonging, and advancing research, cultural programs, and community and educational initiatives led by the center.

Participants expressed their deep appreciation for the depth of the discussion and the human messages conveyed during the meeting. They emphasized the importance of such dialogue spaces in fostering a deeper understanding of the complex realities experienced by marginalized communities and in creating greater opportunities for cooperation and joint action toward a more just and humane future.