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Preserving Heritage,
Building Bridges

The Syrian Mosaic Foundation is dedicated to preserving Syria's rich cultural heritage and reconnecting the global diaspora with the homeland through tangible, on-the-ground action.

Our Mission Get Involved

Building Bridges: Diplomatic Partnerships

Joe Jajati meeting with Syrian Foreign Ministry official
Joe Jajati meeting with Mr. Qutaiba Idlbi, Director of American Political Affairs at Syria's Foreign Ministry, during an American Jewish delegation visit.

I am incredibly honored, as it was a privilege to meet with Mr. Qutaiba Idlbi, Director of American Affairs in Syria's Foreign Ministry, during the visit of an American Jewish delegation.

We had very encouraging meetings where we reinforced each other's commitment to this important work. These dialogues represent the kind of meaningful engagement that can bridge communities and build understanding across all divides.

As a symbol of this shared purpose, we presented a gift inscribed with the eternal Hebrew principle, "Love your friend as yourself." This is the foundation for a unified Syria where all communities can thrive.

— Joseph Jajati, Founder

Preserving Sacred Heritage

The Frenj Synagogue in Damascus stands as a testament to Syria's rich Jewish heritage. Its ark, adorned with Hebrew inscriptions from Psalms 16:8 and 65:5, represents centuries of faith and tradition that we are committed to preserving for future generations.

Our heritage preservation work extends to all of Syria's diverse communities, ensuring that these irreplaceable treasures remain protected and celebrated.

The ark at the Frenj Synagogue
The ark at the Frenj Synagogue, with Hebrew inscriptions from Psalms 16:8 and 65:5. Jewish Quarter in Old Damascus. Photo by Rania Kataf.

Events & Timeline

Foundational Heritage Trips
2018–2024

Foundational Heritage Trips

Building relationships and establishing our presence in Syria.

First Diaspora Jewish Group Returns
Early 2025

First Diaspora Group Returns

Historic milestone reconnecting the Syrian Jewish diaspora.

Leadership & Congressional Engagement
April 2025

Leadership & Congressional Engagement

Eid, Head of the Syrian Jewish Community, meets with U.S. Congressional leadership to advocate for Syria.

Opera House Partnership
Late 2025

Opera House Partnership

Cultural partnerships showcasing Syria's artistic heritage.

United Nations Engagement
2025

United Nations Engagement

Strategic discussions with UN leadership on Syria's cultural preservation and renewal.

Upcoming Initiatives
Heritage + Faith Coexistence Talks

Coexistence Talks

Interfaith dialogues celebrating religious diversity.

Mosaic Arts Exhibitions

Mosaic Arts Exhibitions

Showcasing Syria's rich mosaic artistry tradition.

Alley in the Jewish Quarter of Damascus
An alley in the Jewish Quarter, where Muslims, Christians, and Jews live together in the same neighborhood. Photo by Rania Kataf.

A Living Mosaic of Coexistence

In Damascus's historic Jewish Quarter, the spirit of unity lives on. Neighbors of different faiths share streets, traditions, and lives—a testament to Syria's enduring diversity.

This is the Syria we work to preserve and celebrate: a place where cultural and religious differences enrich rather than divide, where ancient stones bear witness to centuries of peaceful coexistence.

Cultural Renaissance: Sponsoring Damascus Opera House

The Syrian Mosaic Foundation is incredibly proud and honored to sponsor the magnificent "وردة اشبيلية" at the Damascus Opera House in partnership with the Syrian Ministry of Culture.

We are supporting what will be one of the biggest dynamic presentations of Damascus's rich cultural art and incredible show skills. This powerful live performance features our esteemed Syrian actors and dancers, celebrating the artistic heritage that has made Syria a cultural beacon for millennia.

Our support stems from the belief that "art and music are an integral part of ancient Syrian civilization." We are committed to enhancing the local presence of musical theater through sustainable institutional cooperation.

Damascus Opera House cultural performance
SMF-sponsored performance at the Damascus Opera House, celebrating Syria's rich cultural traditions and artistic excellence.
Recovery of historic Syrian artifacts in Damascus
Recovered Syrian artifacts, September 2025. SMF assisted in securing and preserving these historic pieces.

Recovering Syrian Heritage

In September 2025, SMF played a key role in the successful recovery of rare cultural artifacts in Damascus's Shaghour district.

Working with local authorities, we helped identify, secure, and preserve these historic pieces—protecting Syria's diverse cultural legacy for future generations.

Our Strategic Initiatives

We pursue a multi-faceted approach to achieve our vision through key projects, connecting expertise and resources across communities.

Delegations & Tours

We organize trips for a variety of purposes—educational, academic, archaeological, religious, cultural, and social—acting as a bridge that connects all sides. These cultural tours, led by trusted local partners, present Syrian society as open and tolerant.

Heritage Preservation

Restoring and protecting historical sites of religious and cultural significance for all of Syria's communities, with a special focus on Jewish heritage landmarks such as synagogues.

Cultural Center & Community Revival

Establishing a vibrant hub in the heart of Damascus for art, education, historical archives, and intercultural dialogue.

Media & Educational Support

Producing media documenting Syria's powerful story of coexistence and resilience, and providing modern resources to Syrian students to invest in the country's next generation.

Our Mission and Vision

Our core mission is to protect Syrian cultural heritage, promote unity among its diverse communities, and foster peace and prosperity by combining heritage preservation, cultural exchange, and humanitarian initiatives into measurable results. We specifically direct our humanitarian work to benefit our Syrian neighbors and local communities.

We envision a thriving, diverse, and united Syria, reconnected to its global diaspora and celebrated for its profound cultural legacy. We look forward to seeing a Syria where its rich diversity is a source of national strength, and where the world sees it as an inclusive, resilient, and welcoming nation.

Why the Syrian Mosaic Foundation Matters

A Living Mosaic

The Foundation was co-founded by Joseph Jajati (Syrian-American Jew) and Abidalaziz (Syrian-American Muslim), neighbors from Damascus and now in New York. Their enduring friendship forms the very foundation of our work, demonstrating that Syria's spirit of coexistence is not merely a memory, but a present reality waiting to be reclaimed.

Direct Engagement

With over 18 months spent directly on the ground, our work is rooted in trust and direct engagement with the Syrian people. This allows us to deliver impactful cultural and humanitarian aid with unparalleled understanding and precision.

Building Bridges, Not Walls

Every initiative, from restoring sites for all communities to organizing diverse, collaborative delegations (academic, religious, social), is designed to intentionally connect disparate groups, showing the world that unity is the ultimate form of renewal.

Join Us in This Beautiful Effort

We invite you to be part of Syria's story of renewal, unity, and cultural preservation.

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