Impact
At our Centre, Akko’s Arab and Jewish residents create positive shared memories.
Diverse Communities, One Centre
Since 1985, generations of Akko’s residents have viewed our Centre as their second home. Here a divided society becomes a united, multi-ethnic community.
They carry this positive experience into adulthood, both in Akko and across Israel.
Akko: A Mixed City in Israel
Akko (Acre), a mixed Arab and Jewish city in northern Israel, has a population of approximately 50,000. However, not much true mixing happens, since there are few places where residents can come together as peers.
In Israel, there are three different school systems: Arab, Jewish secular, and Jewish religious. This limits the opportunities for children and their families to interact and develop relationships, vital for a healthy civil society.
Akko suffers from high unemployment and associated social issues, with 35% of working residents earning minimum wage, and many living at or below the poverty line. With so much economic hardship, our Centre provides much-needed subsidised programmes to give the next generation a better chance.
Residents come to the Centre because it offers affordable and convenient programmes. But they gain so much more. When people are equally welcomed and respected, barriers of difference break down, creating an accepting community. This model is one we hope to replicate in other mixed cities.
Our Impact
- Generations of Arab and Jewish residents participate in programmes where being together is an everyday activity, not something for rare occasions.
- Hundreds of groups from Israel and around the world have come to learn about how to successfully bring diverse communities together.
- Thousands of young people have accessed further education because of the college prep and language classes they take at the Centre.
- Many underserved residents have learned critical life skills to improve their and their family’s lives.
Key Information
- Founded in 1985 to provide educational support to local
Arab and Jewish children. - Expanded in 1999 with the construction of a dedicated building through the generosity of the Clore Israel Foundation.
- Multi-generational programming throughout the day.
- Central meeting place for cross-communal activities for Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
- Safe space for mediation and dialogue in Akko during
tense times. - International reputation as a model grassroots centre of
shared society. - Independent, non-political, non-religious space open to all.
- Generously supported by friends across the world who believe in our vision and work.
