ABOUT
Living together in the center of Jerusalem
The Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY) is more than a historic institution, it is a living platform for impact, resilience, and shared humanity in one of the most complex cities in the world.
Founded in 1878, the YMCA was established to serve all communities of Jerusalem, Jews Christians and Muslims, through programs that strengthen the spirit, mind, and body. Since the opening of its iconic building in 1933, envisioned by Dr. Archibald Clinton Harte as a place where people of all faiths could meet in dignity and respect, the YMCA has stood as a rare and enduring model of coexistence.
Dr. Harte called this building a “Sermon in Stone.” Today, that vision is not only preserved, it is actively lived.
At a time when division and conflict continue to shape daily life in our region, the YMCA provides something increasingly rare: a safe, inclusive space where people come together across lines of religion, culture, and identity. Every program we run is designed with this purpose in mind, to build trust, foster understanding, and create opportunities for meaningful human connection.
Our impact begins with the next generation. The YMCA’s Peace Preschool, the first integrated Jewish–Arab early childhood program in the country, brings children and families together at the earliest and most formative stage of life. Alongside this, our youth programs empower young people through education, leadership, and sport, helping shape a generation that chooses cooperation over division.
Through culture and the arts, the YMCA continues to serve as one of Jerusalem’s leading platforms for dialogue and exchange. Our historic auditorium and cultural programs bring together diverse audiences, artists, and voices, creating shared experiences that transcend barriers.
Our Sports Center offers far more than physical activity, it is a space where relationships are built, communities are strengthened, and mutual respect is formed through teamwork and shared goals.
The Three Arches Hotel extends this mission of hospitality, welcoming visitors from around the world into a place that is not only a destination, but a meaningful encounter with Jerusalem’s human story.
Looking ahead, the YMCA is investing in transformative initiatives that will expand its impact even further. The development of the UNItherapy Centre, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation and wellness facility, will provide critical services to diverse populations, including the elderly, individuals with special needs, and those recovering from trauma. At the same time, we are working to revive Peniel by the Sea of Galilee, a historic retreat that will serve as a global centre for reflection, healing, and interfaith encounter.
None of this is possible without partnership.
At the Jerusalem International YMCA, we believe that lasting change is built through collaboration, with individuals, foundations, and communities who share a commitment to dignity, peace, and human connection. Your support enables us not only to sustain our work, but to expand it, reaching more people, deepening our impact, and ensuring that this “Sermon in Stone” continues to speak for generations to come.
We invite you to be part of this journey.