Taawon, through its Jerusalem Old Cities Revitalization Program, recently concluded the awareness activities of the "Juthoorna" campaign in both the Old City of Jenin and Tell Balata in Nablus, which took place in October and November 2024.
In Jenin, the campaign included planned field tours within the Old City, but due to the security situation, these tours couldn't be completed. Instead, a documentary about the Old City was screened in schools, followed by discussions with students about the significance of historical sites and the importance of preserving them. The activities also featured photography workshops, where students learned basic photography skills and captured the Old City's landmarks through their lenses. The photos were compiled into a booklet to showcase their work. Additionally, students participated in drawing workshops, where they expressed their thoughts and inspiration from the field tours and the documentary, and their artwork was gathered in a booklet reflecting their creativity and experiences.
In Tell Balata, Nablus, the campaign featured field tours that introduced students and local community members, including women and engineering students from An-Najah University to various archaeological sites. The tours included visits to the Tell Balata archaeological site, Jacob's Well Church, Mount Gerizim, and the Old City, allowing participants to explore the area's historical landmarks and traditional industries. The visits were documented with photographs, and participants also took part in artistic workshops to express their impressions through drawing. Additionally, storytelling sessions were organized to foster cultural interaction and enrich the participants' experience.
As part of efforts to document these activities, a short video was produced highlighting the various activities conducted, from the field tours and photography workshops to the drawing workshops, serving as a testament to the students' initiatives in preserving Palestinian heritage.
The awareness activities of the "Juthoorna" campaign continued with more heritage sites in Jerusalem, extending into December 2024. This initiative is part of a broader vision to increase cultural awareness of Palestinian heritage.
The "Juthoorna" campaign is a national initiative aimed at increasing awareness of Palestinian heritage sites by supporting cultural, social, and economic activities at more than 15 significant locations. The campaign is implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and other relevant ministries, in partnership with civil society organizations, local authorities, and the private sector, supported and funded by UNDP/PAPP through the TARABOT Palestine Programme.