“Our Roots” (Jothorona): A Campaign to Revive Palestinian Heritage in Jenin
In a heartfelt effort to preserve Palestinian heritage and strengthen national identity in historical areas, Taawon launched the "Our Roots" (Jothorona) campaign on Monday, October 21, 2024, in the Old City of Jenin. The launch took place under the patronage of the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, and the Governor of Jenin, Mr. Kamal Abu Al-Rub.
Coinciding with Palestinian Heritage Day celebrations in Jenin’s Old City, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving historical landmarks through cultural activities spread across more than 15 heritage sites. These efforts directly counter ongoing attempts by the occupation to erase Palestinian culture and heritage. The campaign is carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and other relevant ministries, alongside local civil society organizations, authorities, and private sector partners. It is supported and funded by UNDP/PAPP through the TARABOT Palestine Programme.
The launch event included speeches by Acting Mayor of Jenin, Mr. Mohammad Jarrar; Governor Akram Abu Al-Rub; Dr. Samir Jarad, Advisor to the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development in Kuwait; and Arch. Amal Abu Elhawa from Taawon, who is overseeing the campaign's activities in Jenin. The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, also addressed the attendees.
The opening event was attended by Mr. Tareq Alawneh, Director General of Education in Jenin, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, tourism sector institutions, and other stakeholders.
Arch. Amal Abu Elhawa presented a detailed overview of the Old City database in Jenin, completed in 2023. She outlined the work process, data analysis, survey results, intervention priorities, and recommendations drawn from the survey, emphasizing that the "Our Roots" campaign is vital to strengthening and preserving Palestinian heritage.
Following the launch, participants toured the Old City, engaged with students from the photography workshop, and visited Fatima Khatun School to observe the art workshop in action.
Organized by Taawon’s Jerusalem Old Cities Revitalization Program, the campaign will bring awareness activities to Jenin, Nablus, Tell Balata, Jerusalem, Beita (Mount Al-Arma), and Mount Gerizim. These activities include school field trips to historical sites, production of short films and visual materials, art and photography workshops, exhibitions of student works, as well as competitions and volunteer clean-up drives at archaeological sites. A total of 650 students will take part in these activities, reinforcing their connection to Palestinian heritage.
The “Our Roots” (Jothorona) represents a step towards uniting local and international efforts to safeguard Palestinian heritage, highlighting the community’s role in preserving cultural identity.