Cafes have traditionally functioned as factories for ideas. It is likely that numerous important decisions which have altered history were taken over a cup of tea or coffee. Nowadays, the value of “being together” is rapidly changing as people communicate more and more through new media. However, the practice of meeting in a cafe has not died out; indeed, it has evolved with the appearance of “topical” cafes.

To enhance communication between people from different cultures and experiences in a region in which information is often hindered, is one of the goals of the newly established AICafè, a political café run by volunteers of the Alternative Information Center.

The AICafè is meant to foster political information, and to advance ideas, which may start alternative ways of knowledge and communication in order to achieve awareness in all spheres of daily life, such as politics, economics and international issues. Without denying the importance of the most important and significant cultural traditions, the AICafè strives to promote change and to enhance new social and political practices by creating a wide range of events and activities centred on dialogue and mutual understanding.

In accordance with the AIC though, which promotes responsible co-operation between Palestinians and Israelis based on the values of social and political justice, equality, solidarity and community involvement, the AICafè provides an open space for local and international people to endorse a joint struggle for Palestinian people rights, against Israeli policy of occupation.

The AICafè, hosted in the AIC historic office building in the heart of Beit Sahour, holds political material, guides, reports, the AIC’s numerous publications and a library. The café serves primarily local and fairly traded products from the area.

The AICafè is starting a networking process with other political cafés around the world and is currently linked with the Dutch political café Averechts in Utrecht (www.averechts.nl).