ABOUT
Living together in the center of Jerusalem
YMCA International Jerusalem is a cultural, sports and educational center located in the heart of Jerusalem and affiliated to the YMCA (Young Christian Association) worldwide organization. The center operates out of an aspiration to foster brotherhood and friendship between members of all religions, with an emphasis on Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and is a kind of oasis of multiculturalism and a space for the residents of the city to live together.
The center is located in one of the most beautiful buildings in Jerusalem, which has been declared a building for preservation. There is a hotel, a concert hall - the Mary Nathaniel Auditorium - a lecture hall, a meeting room, an innovative sports complex of enormous size, educational institutions, and more.
Various cultural events are held there, which are a fertile ground for cultural and international meetings. As part of the children and youth department, the first bilingual kindergarten in Israel operates, which in 1933 was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Various camps and activities are also held there.
The Three Arches Hotel operates there, which for decades has been attracting visitors and tourists from all over the world - many of them famous people in the fields of art, music, culture, journalism, politics and diplomacy - and some of whom even take an active part in the happenings at the place. The hotel restaurant also offers its services to the general public.
The Three Arches Hotel operates there, which for decades has been attracting visitors and tourists from all over the world - many of them famous people in the fields of art, music, culture, journalism, politics and diplomacy - and some of whom even take an active part in the happenings at the place. The hotel restaurant also offers its services to the general public.
The global YMCA organization has a long history that begins at the end of the industrial revolution in London in the mid-19th century, where the first branch was established by Sir George Williams and a group of evangelical pastors, with the aim of providing a response to the needs concerning the body and soul among the local community. The organization grew and many branches were established in different countries, and today YMCA is considered one of the largest organizations in the world, with over 3,000 branches spread over the five continents and in dozens of countries. The activities of the organization vary from place to place according to the needs of the local community, but in all cases emphasis is placed on the following areas: culture, sport, education, spirituality, education.
The organization has a universal value system based on equality, human dignity, recognition of the importance of multiculturalism, and the aspiration to promote peace between nations. YMCA offers its services without any distinction between religion, race and gender and aims to embody these values in each of its areas of activity. YMCA sees before her eyes the well-being and self-fulfillment of every person, regardless of who they are, with an aspiration to develop a peace-seeking community, in which the uniqueness of each group is part of the whole of society.