Our Story

Our story began with the need to find different ways to enhance people’s ability to claim and assert their rights. In 2011, Nisreen Haj Ahmad and Mais Irqsusi founded Ahel to work with people striving for change through collective action, enabling them to organize their voices and develop participatory leadership.

Over the initial decade, Ahel demonstrated its resilience and adaptability. We tested the community organizing approach across Jordan and Palestine for the first three years amidst numerous trials and sacrifices. Then, we expanded to support changemakers in other countries in the region.

In 2016, a pivotal transition occurred as Mais Irqsusi relocated to Sweden and left Ahel, while Nisreen Haj Ahmad took a one year research sabbatical at Harvard University. Stepping up to keep the mission going, Reem Manna assumed leadership responsibilities, guiding Ahel through that year with unwavering commitment and dedication.

Reem coached the impactful “Stand Up with the Teachers” Campaign in Jordan and the inspiring “Sayr and Sayroura” in Jerusalem. Both campaigns garnered widespread support and demonstrated their efficacy and resilience. These successes in 2017 and 2018 propelled Ahel into a new phase. Nisreen returned to lead the organization and, with Reem, built systems and grew the team.

These developments gave us energy and renewed vigor,and expanded our reach to more countries to support more leaders and campaigns.

In 2019, we launched initiatives such as the four-month online course “Leading and Organizing Collective Action for Change” in Arabic through which we reached thousands of aspiring leaders across the Arab world. In 2020, we fostered the formation of the “Athar Network” of Arab organizers for resilience and regional solidarity. Additionally, the organization bolstered its ranks, training numerous community organizing trainers and coaches, further solidifying our reach and impact.

In 2024, keeping with our commitment to participatory renewed leadership, Reem Manaa assumed leadership of Ahel to become the Executive Director while Nisreen joined Ahel’s advisory board. As we delve deeper into Ahel’s next decade, we do so with Reem’s steadfast leadership, commitment to our mission, and clear understanding of the challenges ahead. We remain fueled by boundless optimism for the future and belief in people power.

Our Team

As our colleague Farah Halasa once said: “To work at Ahel you need a balance of a few things: an internal fire for change, thick skin, and continuous passion to learn.” This is our great team.

Community Organizing Trainers and Coaches

We met them in different campaigns, courses and workshops. They caught our attention with their leadership and passion for learning, and our values and approach captured their attention. We built their capacity through our Train the Trainers and Train the Coaches programs. While they are not employees of Ahel, they are partners in our vision and mission and because of them we can expand our reach and our support to more leaders and causes in the Arab world.

Our Advisory Board “Ahel Ahel”

Twice a year we meet with our advisory board to review Ahel’s strategy, work plan and financial status. We also seek their advice and support throughout the year and we are constantly thankful to them.