Dar Al Farah is a small association with a big commitment. Born from the need to serve society, we strive for an open, diverse, and supportive coexistence in Switzerland. Our work is based on humanity, responsibility, and belief in mutual respect and cultural understanding. We create spaces for encounters and exchange through events, courses, and formats that provide insights into Arab and Islamic culture, language, and values. We accompany Arabic-speaking migrants and promote their participation while conveying knowledge about Arab life to the local population. As transcultural bridge-builders, we support integration through guidance and counseling, in collaboration with professionals, schools, and authorities. We foster social cohesion, raise awareness of discrimination, and fight against anti-Muslim racism and exclusion. Dar Al Farah is a trusted point of contact for questions about origin, identity, migration, and coexistence. We also lead the officially recognized HSK Arabic courses in the Canton of Zurich.
My journey with Dar Al Farah began in 2003, when I came to Zurich as a migrant through family reunification, with a heart full of hope. I wished for a place that would bring joy, security, and a sense of belonging, not only to us but also to other families. The words of my teacher from Damascus accompanied me: Leave a good mark wherever you are. This thought carried me and allowed the dream of Dar Al Farah, the House of Joy, to grow. In 2004, everything started very small, a club born out of the need to help others. With love, patience, and the strength of many helping hands, we built this place. We overcame obstacles, sought spaces, planned projects, developed programs, and created encounters. Every step shows that cohesion is stronger than any hurdle. Today, more than 20 years later, Dar Al Farah is a lively association that brings joy and support to countless people. We have built bridges, connected hearts, and together created a home of diversity and togetherness. This journey has been full of dreams, effort, tears, and beautiful moments, and it continues as long as people need each other.
Peaceful coexistence is the core of our work, characterized by joy, creativity, mutual respect, and understanding. We aim to preserve, nurture, and share valuable cultural treasures. Every person is unique to us. We see diversity as an enrichment for society and believe that harmonious coexistence is possible despite differences.
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The association Dar Al Farah defends itself
At Pentecost 2024, the Arab cultural association Dar Al Farah planned to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The association’s goal is the positive integration of Arabic-speaking migrants into Swiss society. The association also runs Arab-HSK courses, recognized by the Cantonal Education Department of Zurich. The association’s integration efforts were recognized by the municipality of Opfikon and praised by the UNHCR. Additionally, the association received the “Bridge Builder” award from the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) Switzerland. For its 20th anniversary, the association invited journalists, representatives of the city and cantonal police, and various representatives of Arab culture to the Stadthalle Dietikon, including Dr. Omar Abdelkafy, to promote dialogue. Abdelkafy’s invitation faced strong media criticism. Even before its 20th anniversary celebration, Dar Al Farah was criticized in the media for inviting this guest and defamed. The association was falsely described as an Islamic organization. Members faced a flood of Islamophobic comments. The long-standing valuable integration work of Dar Al Farah was questioned. The 20th anniversary celebration had to be canceled. The association regrets the tendentious media coverage. The association affirms its interreligious and non-political integration work. It rejects any form of extremism and radicalism as well as anti-Semitism. The association will continue to work for peaceful, intercultural, and interreligious coexistence in Switzerland. The association thanks the authorities and its partners for their support.
Zurich, May 22, 2024
At Dar Al Farah, we build bridges between cultures through education, community projects, and integration support, because every connection starts with a conversation.
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