U.S. Consulate General Supports the Opening of the Al-Jib Museum in the West Bank

On May 18, the West Bank community of Al-Jib inaugurated its first cultural heritage museum showcasing Palestinian artifacts and cultural arts. The museum and its gift shop, which features handicrafts made by local female artisans, was made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation to the Palestinian Association for Cultural Exchange (PACE). PACE assembled an array of Palestinian artifacts, donated by community members, for the museum’s collection. The artifacts represent the daily life of Al-Jib residents and -- thanks to the generous contributions of local residents -- will now be preserved for future generations. The grant provided much needed support and assistance to three historic villages in the West Bank – Beitin, Aboud, and Al-Jib – as these communities work to preserve their cultural heritage and to promote local tourist destinations. The grant also supported technical training to local women in Palestinian handicrafts. Products created by local artisans are on display and for sale at the museum’s gift shop. The Ambassador’s Fund grant also helped to raise awareness among residents about the villages’ local talent, and to assist local specialists and curators on the methods of cultural preservation. Another important aspect of this program is educating residents about the illegal procurement and sale of antiquities. The director of PACE and members of the local community, including the mayor and governor, attended the opening ceremony of Al Jib’s cultural heritage museum, and thanked the Consulate General for its support. Cultural Affairs Officer Cynthia Harvey addressed the audience, congratulating them on the success of their program and the launching of the museum, which will benefit Al-Jib residents for the years to come.