About Jiwar
Jiwar means closeness, safety, and a shared bond.
Jiwar was born in the heart of crisis, when gatherings became rare and fear became the shared language among people.
We were seeking refuge, so we created a space – a warm, human, and familiar space.
Vision
An interconnected, safe, and resilient Arab society – psychologically, economically, socially, and environmentally.
Mission
To strengthen community resilience by building circles of closeness and creating spaces for gathering, learning, and participation.
Objectives
• Enhance the sense of personal and communal safety and belonging.
• Bring people closer together and strengthen social ties to address social fragmentation, violence, and crime.
• Provide a platform that empowers individuals to become agents of positive community change.
• Educate and raise awareness on good neighborliness and shared living culture.
• Develop and apply local knowledge and working models to engage communities in finding culturally and socially appropriate solutions for town and neighborhood planning.
About Jiwar
Why is Jiwar necessary?
In light of deep transformations – economic, urban, social, and psychological – the Arab society is witnessing, safe spaces have diminished and alienation has grown. Jiwar is our response to this silent erosion.
Through it, we revalue the simple things: gathering, neighborliness, and tranquility.
About Jiwar
Our Story
When war broke out in October 2023, the Arab community faced severe psychological, economic, and security challenges, leading to growing social fragility and a deep sense of fear, alienation, and insecurity. People withdrew into isolation, each facing the war's aftermath alone.
In this atmosphere, a social group launched in-home gatherings called “Azoumeh Not on Zoom,” featuring hospitality, expert lectures on community resilience, and warm conversations that fostered familiarity. The initiative was a success, becoming a safe space that supported others and embodied a value-based responsibility in the face of collective pain.
The initiative evolved into “My Community, My Home,” expanding to dozens of gatherings across the country. Experts united around the initiative, advocating to institutionalize it and link community work across personal, local, and public spheres.