Mosaic House

Renovations are nearing their end at MOSAIC HOUSE, Ramle's first Arab-Jewish community center located in the historic old city and Mosaic Communities central gathering place. Activities too are in final organizational stages and the plan is to begin operations at MOSAIC HOUSE this Autumn.

MOSAIC HOUSE will not only bring the diverse Ramle population together under one roof for educational, cultural and social activities (some of the activities Mosaic House will offer are currently available for Jews and Arabs separately) but will also expose them to the values and philosophy of Mosaic Communities, namely embracing the city's diversity as an asset.

MOSAIC HOUSE defines its purpose not through discussion or debate of coexistence but through the creation of a new reality in the city. By creating a civic space where openness and equality are the norm, where the residents of Ramle can mingle freely and explore new opportunities together we hope to foster a common sense of identity and purpose for all of Ramle's residents, and bring about the realization that a better life can be achieved through cooperation and common action.

Activities & Facilities to be offered include the following:
(It should be noted that Mosaic House activities & Facilities will be offered for free or in some cases for a nominal sum as the targeted population is not well off to say the least.)

Education & Culture
English Classes, Basic Computer Training, Acting Class, Photography Workshop, Creative Writing Workshop, Journalistic Writing Workshop, Circus Arts Program and Art Classes.

Most of the cultural activities on offer are designed to include final projects such as plays, exhibits, a local newspaper, creative writing booklet and so forth. The final projects will either be presented to Ramle residents at Mosaica House or distributed to the community at large.

Many of these educational and cultural activities will be conducted by volunteers which have already committed themselves while some will be conducted by paid staff. All activities will involve affirmative action to ensure a reasonable balance of participating Arabs and Jews.

Library
Providing literature and information on subjects relating to the mission of Mosaic Communities and the activities of the center.

Computer/ Internet access
Offering the chance to link up to the world to many who cannot afford to do so from their own homes and to some for the first time...


Additional activities to complement at Mosaic House initial activities are also being planned.

Youth Groups – Two different age brackets – ha-No`ar haOved ve ha lomed has offered to help develop these groups and provide guides for twice-weekly meetings. The youth groups will focus on public service within Ramle for example: Sponsored tutoring, (modeled on the USA Big Brother/Big Sister program), assistance to the aged, neighbourhood cleanup week, etc.

A strong identity will be developed for the youth groups through defining values of community service and embracing diversity.

Empowerment Programs - Modeled on our initial program with youth (See Youth_Cooperative_Products_on_Sale) additional programs of empowerment will be initiated such as training and development of new small businesses cooperatives for mixed groups of women. (Groups of 4-6 mixed will receive training in micro-business and entrepreneurial skills.)


Finally, as Mosaic Communities recognizes and applauds activities being carried out by allied organizations operating in the city and throughout the country, we invite our friends to share our new space the Ramle MOSAIC HOUSE.