Bridging the hearts and minds of all people.

For All of Us

Building Peaceful Bridges is a nonprofit organization supporting people of all faiths whose mission is to foster multicultural relationships by assisting in the integration of newcomers into American society and educating communities on the challenges facing newcomer populations through their stories.

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BPB Monthly Newsletter - Iftar Dinner 2025

Building Peaceful Bridges (BPB) held its fourth-annual Ramadan All-Faiths Iftar dinner on March 15th, with the Nair family graciously sponsoring the event at the Winnetka Congregational Church. Read our newsletter about the event.

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Fostering multicultural relationships by assisting in the integration of refugees into American society
Chicago, IL

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A beautiful quote by our Co-Founder Ahlam, said during her speech at our annual Iftar Dinner. ...

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Build a Bridge through…

Mentoring and Sponsorship

Support a refugee family by meeting together monthly or bi-monthly, introducing them to life in America, engaging in conversations that improve their English, or assisting their study toward citizenship.

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Bringing People Together

Form new and lasting friendships. Gather for monthly luncheons. Meet neighbors and refugees from around the world. Hear speakers address issues relevant to today’s refugees.

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Giving Families a Head Start

Together with a refugee family create a new living space: donate clothing and furniture, assist with rent, groceries, and basic necessities, prepare a welcome box, or share cultural values and meals.

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Cultural Educational Events

Join us for an event and hear the story of a refugee. Learn what it is like to navigate a new home in a foreign country through refugees’ stories. Listen, first hand, to a journalist’s experience in a refugee camp.

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Upcoming Events

Stories

Ahlam Al-Jebory Mahmood fled her home in Iraq after being kidnapped for her work running a humanitarian center near Baghdad during the war in Iraq. In 2008, she was a refugee in Syria working as a “fixer”–providing Western media with trustworthy information and contacts to help get the news out. She not only supported her husband and two children through her work with foreign journalists but set up a makeshift school for displaced girls. She was working as an unofficial leader of the refugee community in Damascus until she was arrested and imprisoned for her work. The story of her incredible journey from Baghdad to Damascus to Chicago is told in the multi-award-winning book A Disappearance in Damascus by Deborah Campbell, now optioned for screen by Terry George, director of Hotel Rwanda. LEARN MORE.

You Can Write a New Chapter

You can write a new chapter in the lives of refugees by participating in one of our programs such as mentoring or sponsoring a refugee family, participating in a cultural or educational event, helping with delivery of non-cash donations, or suggesting a new program! LEARN MORE.

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Changing Lives with Your Help

In 2011, Ahlam (al-Jabory) Mahmood received the Woman of the Year Award from Karen Singer, President/CEO of the YWCA of Evanston. Ahlam was honored for her refugee resettlement work and co-founding the Iraqi Mutual Aid Society. Ahlam is always giving back to those in need. How about joining her and Building Peaceful Bridges in making a difference in a refugee’s life and sharing refugee stories with other Americans?

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