Vision and Mission

ARCH aims to build supporting arches.

ARCH aims to forge international alliances to build a strong, stable, and growing global network to promote information exchange, to coordinate objectives, to share resources in order to protect vulnerable heritage of outstanding universal value in Jerusalem. We believe that effective advocacy should be pragmatic, impactful, and up to date. In collaboration with existing cultural heritage institutions, ARCH identifies elements of cultural heritage in Jerusalem that are at risk. We categorize, prioritize and document those risks. We lobby all relevant governments and organizations on behalf of threatened cultural heritage and raise funds for focused restoration projects.

1898 Lutheran Steeple

View of Jerusalem, c. 1900 Photo: Source Unknown.

ARCH collaborates with NGOs, scholars, and experts in mutual defence of cultural heritage in Jerusalem. We utilize contemporary digital technologies and social media to build global awareness of cultural destruction, alterations, and potential threats. We document and publicize activities that threaten vulnerable physical or non-physical cultural heritage, especially sites protected under international law. We sponsor research on the protection and restoration of universal cultural heritage by participating in international conferences and contributing to publications.

  • Build an internet data base of  “at-risk” cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, such as  archaeology, architecture, antiquities, holy sites, manuscripts and books, handicrafts, folklore and other forms of cultural identity;

  • Digitize vulnerable cultural heritage in order to extend access to scholars, students and the general public;

  • Document and publicize activities that threaten vulnerable physical or non-physical cultural heritage, especially on sites protected under international law;

  • Revive moribund UN Resolutions on Jerusalem and encourage their re-injection into negotiations;

  • Sponsor research on the protection and restoration of cultural heritage resources through international conferences and publications;

  • Enlist support of community institutions (national heritage and community based) to ensure the sustainability of restoration projects;

  • Advocate on behalf of significant and endangered cultural heritage.

© ARCH Jerusalem 2020