Palestinian activists in Jerusalem have launched a new crowdfunding campaign intended as an attempt “to break free” of existing international aid funding mechanisms.
Grassroots Jerusalem works to amplify the voices of Palestinian communities, “providing tools for Jerusalemites to tell their vision for Jerusalem.” The group creates maps, gives tours, runs an online platform, and hosts events and workshops.
The activists “believe that international aid perpetuates our need for aid through top-down project based funding, which sets the agenda for Jerusalem while disregarding the Palestinian visions for the city.”
Grassroots Jerusalem describes itself as “a Palestinian organisation transitioning to a model of financial independence and self-sufficiency.” The organisation notes that until now, it has “received financial support mainly through project based, short term and top down frameworks.”
However, the group says, “no relevant, efficient and lasting work can be concretely implemented with such limitations,” adding that “through our work with Palestinian communities and grassroots organisations, we have witnessed that they share the same experience with International Aid.”
The campaign aims to raise $100,000 in order to help fund a second edition of Wujood (a political tourist guidebook), as well as expand the groups tours and renovate their central hub.
