Cultural Colonialism

The indigenous Palestinian society in the Triangle Area in 1948 Palestine is subject to institutional oppression which leads it to suffer from a dire socio-economic reality. Consequently, youth, artists, students, and women lack spaces adept to meet the basic requirements for social, cultural and political engagement and production. As a result, these sectors' potential and talent, which is ultimately vital for the region’s social and cultural transformation, are either marginalized, radicalized or departed in the process of searching for opportunities elsewhere.

Resistance

The vision behind initiating an Alternative Space was born from the need to develop an independent and multi-dimensional platform that provides students, youth and artists with a welcoming space that facilitates networking, encourages and supports local artistic production, while promoting access to vibrant cultural engagement for the public in the Triangle. This includes services ranging from running an academic book-shop cafe to an available advanced media system for movie screenings. This vision intends to catalyze a cultural movement which fundamentally impacts a shift in dominant social discourse, from consumption to production; from dependence to independence.  

The Impact

Led by an independent arts collective known as Tishreen’s Cultural Production Forum, this project was initially launched through an extremely successful collective exhibition titled "Ehna Hein" (احنا هين). The first local exhibition of its kind, the event generated unprecedented engagement by the local and national Palestinian community. Since its launch, all events hosted at the space, including exhibitions, movie screenings, theatrical plays, music jam sessions and political discussions, have engaged thousands of community members. The forum, composed of artists and producers from across the Triangle, is the voluntary body which oversees the planning and implementation of Tishreen’s Cultural programs.

About Tishreen

Tishreen Association is a non-profit organized that was established in the city of Taybe, Triangle in 2008. The organization agenda revolves around the empowerment of marginalized sectors in Palestinian society, specifically women, artists and students. The organization views cultural activity as the best tool to bring about social movement and, ultimately, political change, due to its nuanced nature.

Team

Sajed Haj-Yahya, Founder and Chairperson of Tishreen Association's Board

Sajed Haj-Yahya is a founder of Tishreen. He holds a B.A. in mechanical engineering from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and an M.A in Business Administration. He serves as a manager of the mechanical engineering department at a high-tech company in the field of medical devices.

Majd Nasrallah, General Director

Majd holds a dual degree in International law and Human Rights from Bard College New York and Al-Quds University in East Jerusalem. He also holds a certificate in Social Studies and Humanities from the University of Sciences Po, Paris. A civic and human rights activist, Majd has worked in the fields of research, community organizing and project development.

Omar Abdelqader, Cultural Production Project Administrator

Omar is a graduate of Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. He has a record of activism in the social and political fields, specifically in the framework of the Palestinian Students Movement and in the context of media production. As Tishreen’s Cultural Production Project, he oversees and carries out activities centered around cultural independence and the establishment of a critical Palestinian discourse.

Rosaline Housary, Project Coordinator

Rosaline is a has majored in Special Education, Islamic Studies and Arabic Language in TLV University. She has worked extensively with youth groups in different organizations, and recently as a lecturer in the field of digital security. As a project coordinator, she is responsible for planning to coordinate the activities of Tishreen’s Women Empowerment Project and TishreenYouth.

As we aspire to equip the space with all necessary tools, supporters can directly contribute to our mission by donating money, furniture, or any of the requested items (technical or electronic) and spreading the word enthusiastically.