Dar Al-Tifel, UNDP and German development cooperation celebrate the Inauguration of the Palestinian Heritage Museum, Preserving and Promoting Palestinian Culture in East Jerusalem

July 31, 2023

Dar Al-Tifel, UNDP and German development cooperation celebrate the Inauguration of the Palestinian Heritage Museum, Preserving and Promoting Palestinian Culture in East Jerusalem

© UNDP/PAPP image bank

East Jerusalem – The Dar Al-Tifel Organization inaugurated the Palestinian Heritage Museum in East Jerusalem, made possible through the funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and implemented by the German Development Bank (KFW) in cooperation with UNDP/PAPP under the Investment Programme for Resilience (IPR). This project marks a significant milestone in preserving and promoting the unique Palestinian heritage and culture pre- and post-1948 Nakbah.

The Palestinian Heritage Museum at Dar Al-Tifel has long played a crucial role in safeguarding the cultural identity of the Palestinian community amidst challenges and threats. With a notable collection of valuable relics, the museum faced inadequate storage conditions. The newly completed project addresses these concerns, rehabilitating and improving the storage areas to ensure proper preservation of the relics and artifacts.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ms. Mahira Al Dajani, Head of Dar Al Tifel Board of Trustees, expressed her heartfelt welcome to all the attendees and spoke of the longstanding partnership with the German government and the United Nations Development Programme. Ms. Al Dajani emphasized the significant role this partnership has played in successfully implementing several vital projects that have greatly contributed to the development of the organization's facilities, including today’s inauguration. 

The scope of work funded under the Investment Programme for Resilience included extensive restoration and rehabilitation of the museum building and external areas. Architectural modifications at the main entrance, such as adding an aluminum curtain wall, enhance accessibility and appeal to visitors. The project also implemented essential infrastructure upgrades, including lighting, audiovisual, and alarm systems, as well as plaster repairs, re-tiling, wall painting, electrical networks, plumbing, A/C works, fire systems, and sewage repairs.

Dar Al-Tifel, UNDP and German development cooperation celebrate the Inauguration of the Palestinian Heritage Museum, Preserving and Promoting Palestinian Culture in East Jerusalem

© UNDP/PAPP image bank

Mr. Oliver Owcza, Head of Mission of the German Representative Office in Ramallah, underligned the community outreach programme of the museum. He said “This museum is a hidden gem. It is important to bring tourists here in cooperation with tourguides, to bring school classes and organize activities for children, and participate in festivals in order to attract a wider public for this precious place.”

Ms. Yvonne Helle, UNDP/PAPP Special Representative of the Administrator, stated that this museum serves as a significant platform for raising cultural and heritage awareness, enhancing knowledge among the Palestinian Jerusalemite community, including children and youth, and reinforcing their sense of local ownership. 

“The long-term impact of this project is profound”, Helle said. “It does not only contribute to empowering Palestinian's cohesive identity in East Jerusalem but also tells the story of Palestinian folkloric heritage, connecting the Palestinian community, including younger generations, to their roots. In a world where attempts are made to erase their culture and identity, this museum stands as a symbol of resistance, resilience, and collective pride”. 

With the completion of the project and an array of community outreach activities, the Palestinian Heritage Museum is expected to witness a significant increase in visitors, from 6,500 before the intervention to 10,000 after the intervention. The museum's revitalization aligns with its vision to become an even more accessible and engaging space, attracting people from various backgrounds to celebrate and learn about Palestinian folklore, history, and identity

 

For further information, please contact:

The United Nations Development Programme: 

Musa Khalil, Head of Communication Unit, E-mail: musa.khalil@undp.org., Tel: +972 6268200, Mobile: +972 5748761 For more information on UNDP/PAPP visit www.ps.undp.org