Decentralized Cooperation - Complement or Substitute to State-State Cooperation. Paper presented to the Bertelsmann working group on 'Transformation of Societies and Political Systems in the Middle East and North Africa - The Political Economy of Aid'

The importance of strengthening our Palestinian presence and maintain our historical rights in Jerusalem cannot be over-emphasized as the late Faisal Al- Husseini once put it: “The existence of Palestinian organizations in Jerusalem is a reflection of the Palestinian people’s existence.”

Relying almost entirely on grants our resources are very limited. As an institution located in East Jerusalem we are subject to the Israeli legal system that in itself is a financial burden in terms of minimum wages, ancillary wage costs, pension schemes, high rents, etc. - costs funders or donors are hardly covering.

Against all odds and monetary pressures, however, PASSIA remains steadfast in the city and committed to continue its longstanding work in dialogue, policy research, education, information and publication, as well as its extensive involvement in the question of Jerusalem.

Your donation will help PASSIA to maintain its presence and voice in Jerusalem and sustain its work.