Khaled Alsaifi
– Khaled Al-Saifi
Khaled Al-Saifi is considered one of the founding members of the Ibda’a Center in Dheisheh Refugee Camp – Bethlehem. He is among the key figures who played a central role in establishing the institution and shaping its early identity as a community-based cultural and developmental organization aimed at serving the people of the camp and enhancing their capabilities across cultural, artistic, and sports fields. From the very beginning, he contributed to laying the foundational principles of Ibda’a as a comprehensive community institution focused on empowerment, creativity, and social participation within the refugee camp environment.
Throughout the early stages of establishment, Khaled Al-Saifi contributed to formulating the institution’s overall vision, which is based on the belief that culture, art, and sports are essential tools for social change and community development, rather than mere recreational activities. He also supported the idea of building an institution that responds to the needs of children and youth, providing them with safe spaces for self-expression and skills development, thereby strengthening their active role within the local community.
On the community level, he played a significant role in promoting volunteerism within Dheisheh Refugee Camp and supporting youth initiatives aimed at serving the local society, whether through cultural activities, social programs, or developmental initiatives. He also contributed to strengthening the culture of teamwork and community partnership, building cooperation with various local stakeholders to support the institution’s projects and expand its impact.
On the cultural and artistic level, he was one of the key supporters of developing cultural programs within Ibda’a Institution, including theater, creative writing, and various artistic activities. He contributed to creating an environment that nurtures young talents and encourages them to express their Palestinian identity through art. He also supported initiatives aimed at documenting Palestinian memory and strengthening cultural presence within the camp.
On the sports level, he contributed to supporting the institution’s vision of integrating sports into the community work system by encouraging various youth sports activities and promoting sports as a tool for character building, discipline, teamwork, and skill development.
Khaled Al-Saifi is regarded as one of the figures closely associated with the founding phase of Ibda’a Institution. His efforts contributed to transforming a community idea into a well-established institution with a wide social, cultural, and developmental impact in Dheisheh Refugee Camp and the wider community. The institution combines cultural, social, and sports work within an integrated developmental vision aimed at empowering and strengthening Palestinian resilience.
