In the shadow of October 7th and the painful events that followed, the need for shared spaces in Jerusalem has become more urgent than ever. Kulna Jerusalem brings together people from East and West Jerusalem who have been working side by side for more than a decade. Since its founding in 2016, the organization has become a driving force in the city, promoting a vision of shared living. One of its most inspiring projects is ‘Coffee Under the Bridge’, a community café located in Park HaMesila, between the Beit Safafa and Katamon neighborhoods.
At the heart of this initiative is a group of dedicated activists from both communities who have been meeting regularly for over two years, united by the dream of creating a café that would serve as a permanent meeting place and a source of light and positivity for the area. The initiative was originally born out of the ‘Park HaMesila Activists Forum’, established in 2022, before the war. During that time, the forum was very active in the area, organizing numerous events around Beit Safafa with a special focus on bilingual activities for families with children. From this work, the vision of a community café began to take shape.
The first ‘Coffee Under the Bridge’ event took place in May, and since then four gatherings have been held, roughly once a month. Participants have been wonderfully diverse, coming mainly from Beit Safafa, Katamon, and other nearby neighborhoods. Each event has created a vibrant atmosphere, combining excellent coffee with live music, creative workshops, games, and even a petting station with a baby goat.
For many, the café has become a small symbol of what shared life in Jerusalem could look like. As Katamon resident Ilana Nelson shared: “In a reality of fear, we are creating an atmosphere of connection, and a glimpse of what Jerusalem could and should be. Coming with my young daughter to the café was a deeply meaningful experience of hope, just a short walk from home.”
With the support of the Jerusalem Foundation, Kulna will hold more events bringing people together. More than just coffee or community gatherings, ‘Coffee Under the Bridge’ is about radiating positivity, offering hope, and strengthening the foundations of shared living in Jerusalem.