Ibda’a organization is a grassroots, non-governmental organization based in Dheisheh Refugee Camp, located in Bethlehem, Palestine. Ibda’a was founded in 1994 by its original cofounders, Mr. Khaled Al-Saifi and Mr. Zeiad Abbas, but was officially recognized as a not-for-profit organization in April 2007 under Law Number 1 of Charitable Societies and Non-Governmental Associations (2000) by the Ministry of Interior of the Palestinian National Authority. Ibda’a holds license number BL-501-C. Additionally, it obtained license number 2015/100/B/318 from the Palestinian Ministry of Culture in July 2015.
Since our founding in 1994, Ibda’a organization has created a healthy, positive, and empowering environment for Palestinian women, youth, and children to reclaim their lost childhood. With over 15,000 residents living in less than half a square kilometer, Dheisheh Refugee Camp offers no recreational or cultural facilities for children. Ibda’a organization emerged to fill this gap, offering a place where children can grow, dream, and express themselves. Through education, music, dance, media, sports, and creative programs, we aim to nurture generations capable of shaping change.
We believe that by empowering the most vulnerable groups in our community—through training in diverse social, cultural, and educational programs—we create opportunities for Palestinian refugees to regain their sense of agency and actively contribute to addressing collective needs and challenges. In doing so, Ibda’a fosters a culture of democracy, inclusion, and respect, free from all forms of discrimination and bias. Over the years, Ibda’a Organization has grown to become one of the most successful community-based organizations in Palestine, recognized for its deep impact and resilient spirit.
Ibda’a works to empower Palestinian youth, women, and children by providing inclusive cultural, educational, media, sports program that promote creativity and participation and sustainable community development.
Ibda’a is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where women, youth, and children are protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, regardless of age, ability, gender, ethnicity, religion, or background.
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A Palestinian society without violence grounded in the values of justice, democracy, and respect for human rights, principles, and values.
Ibdaa Foundation works to empower Palestinian children, women, and youth through holistic development in education, arts, health, sports, and community engagement. It also promotes inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities while responding to the real needs of the local community.
Dheisheh Refugee Camp was established in 1949 as a home for people displaced from more than 45 villages around Jerusalem and Hebron after the Nakba in 1948. The initial population of Dheisheh was approximately 3,000 inhabitants, but over the years it has grown significantly. According to Palestinian statistics, the population reached around 17,000 in 2021, with continued growth expected in 2027 with only few humanitarian and social services for entire population of Dheisheh. The ongoing political situation and unrest in Palestine heavily impact both the social and economic conditions of Dheisheh residents. Many Palestinians rely on employment inside Israel to improve their economic situation, but due to restrictions, nearly 60% of Dheisheh residents are denied work permits. The lack of local economic opportunities exacerbates poverty, limiting access to basic services. Moreover, the politically sensitive areas in Bethlehem experiences frequent Israeli military incursions, often resulting in arrests. Many of those arrested have direct or indirect effect on children, youth, women. And many of them have connections to our programs. Such activities, programs and events have significant psychological effects on children and families. Today, more than half of the camp’s populations are under 18 years. The children have no playground, sports fields, or other open spaces to safely play. Although Dheisheh has a number of local institutions and associations that provide services and psychosocial support including Ibda’a to various segments of the society including children, youth, women, and people with disabilities, there are still many gaps in opportunities. Read More
Nothing makes us prouder than the trust of our families, friends, and community. Their stories and words inspire us to continue creating meaningful opportunities and making a positive difference in the lives of children.
“Ibdaa created a revolution in my memory regarding the refugee camp where I spent my childhood. I am proud and happy, and Ibdaa’s children carry both the name and the hope through art to the stages of the world.”
“One of the happiest moments of my life was when I had the honor of hosting, from Tunisia, the ceremony of the Ibda’a basketball players — the champions of Palestine.”
” Ibdaa’s children, as they travel across the world, are the true ambassadors of Palestine.”
“Ibdaa is the finest representative of the Palestinian refugee communities around the world.”
“Ibdaa is an institution we are proud of, especially because it works to strengthen unity in all its forms. We wish it continued progress and success.”
“Ibdaa’s visit to us in America and their celebration with us on this day on Alcatraz Island reflected the depth of their suffering, which is similar to our own.”
