30 influential Israeli youth gathered on December 12th to attend the first workshop in a cycle of activities aimed at increasing their knowledge on the conflict and building their connections with Palestinians. Speakers included Gadi Baltiansky, the Israeli Director of the Geneva Initiative; Ashraf Al Arjami, a Palestinian leader of the Geneva Initiative, and Rachel Madpis Ben-Dor, founder of the “Four-Mothers” movement (a protest movement that called for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon).
Through listening and engaging with the speakers, participants learned about common misconceptions related to the conflict, gained a greater understanding of Palestinian public opinion regarding their attitude on different solutions, and discussed the importance of activism and their role in enacting reconciliation. Representing various political backgrounds and a broad spectrum of careers including activists, journalists, political advisors, and social media influencers, the workshop helped each individual to understand their role in contributing to peace and gave them greater hope for reconciliation between peoples.
In parallel, Palestinian youth are also taking part in introductory knowledge-building meetings. In the coming months, once both sides are prepared, we will hold joint dialogue meetings.
After attending the workshop, one participant shared: “Finally I have a place that gives me hope that reconciliation is possible.”
