- Mar 14, 2022
EXCEL REUNION IN NAZARETH: Teachers gather for learning & renewal
Our 2021 EXCEL Institute cohort gathered in Nazareth in Nazareth for an inspiring weekend retreat. Teachers spent their time together in workshops, dialogue, and touring around the city as part of their professional development. JPBLD Senior Educator, Sarah Benazera, and EXCEL Director, Dr. Elias Farah, led the group through a special weekend where they built professional relationships and left with a deeper sense of commitment to grow the work. This summer, these teachers wi
- Mar 14, 2022
IN BRIEF: Teaching in the synagogue
Deacon Jack Karn is currently leading a JPB series at Congregation Emanu El in Houston, TX. Multi-session leadership and peacebuilding courses are being offered for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders as part of their preparation to visit Israel. In June, the group will travel to Jerusalem and have the opportunity to meet with JPBLD Staff and Alumni as part of their life-changing trip.
- Mar 14, 2022
IN BRIEF: JPBLD co-directors in leadership program
Vallie Miller and Zak Adileh recently started an exciting Leadership Institute program with Amal-Tikva. The four-month program will feature weekend seminars, virtual trainings, and a special trip to Northern Ireland, Israel, and Palestine this summer. The innovative professional development program will give our co-directors new skills, relationships, and experience to apply in their JPBLD work. Great work!
- Mar 14, 2022
IN BRIEF: American teens walk for peace
Last month, our Interfaith Youth Houston (IYH) program met for a special Peace & Justice event at the Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism (HCRJ). 30 Jewish, Christian, and Muslim youth and adults gathered to learn about Judaism, explore experiences of peace and justice through a special peace walk activity, and interfaith dialogue. This inspiring program continues to progress strongly as we resume in-person events and grow our domestic programs in the US. Our next IYH eve
- Mar 14, 2022
IN BRIEF: Summer applications CLOSE SOON!
Today, our Summer Institute Applications for Middle East Youth close! Applications for Staff and American Youth remain open through April 1. Over the next two weeks, our team will be sorting applications and making selections, so please be patient with us. Hurry and get in those applications as we get ready for an amazing summer of peacebuilding programs in the USA! For more information about how to apply for Middle East youth, please visit our website here: www.jerusalempeac
- Mar 14, 2022
FAITH & PEACE? Fr. Nicholas & Rabbi Steven talk to God
In the webinar world, Fr. Nicholas recently joined Rabbi Steven Morgen of Congregation Beth Yeshurun for a special interfaith session called What Does Peace Look Like From Your Faith Tradition? The two faith leaders discussed peace and justice through examining Jewish and Christian scriptures and fielding questions. You can watch the full session here. This summer, we are excited to build upon this new partnership and have JPB teens visit the synagogue for a Shabbat service.
- Mar 14, 2022
MYCHOICE FINDS A VOICE: Areej leads new West Bank program
The new MyChoice Women's Empowerment Program has found a leading voice! Meet Areej, who joins us with an impressive background and deep passion for education and social change. You can read her short bio here: Areej Masoud is a Syrian Orthodox Palestinian. She was born Bethlehem, where she currently resides. Through her experience in communication, development, advocacy and education, she has developed a deep commitment to social transformation. Areej takes action towards cha
- Mar 14, 2022
HOPE IN HOUSTON: Fr. Nicholas teaches, preaches, & more!
Last month, Fr. Nicholas landed in Houston, TX for several events with St. John's School, St. Thomas Episcopal School, Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism, JPB pilgrims and donors! Lot's of hopeful progress was made, and many key relationships were strengthened. Check out these great photos from his visit! JPB Board Member Philip Kensinger and Fr. Nicholas with Head of St. John’s School, Daniel Alig, and Director of Spiritual Life, The Rev. Ned Mulligan as part of the ina
- Mar 13, 2022
PEACE SCHOOL WELCOMES JPB: Givat Haviva focuses on shared society
In January, JPBLD's Israeli affiliate, JPB Leadership Development, began teaching in earnest at the Givat Haviva International School in Israel. Our Israeli and Palestinian staff are offering a great program of leadership and peacebuilding courses for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. With a core focus on peacebuilding, GHIS is a natural partner for JPBLD. After completion of the courses, students will apply to attend our summer institutes in the USA this August. Alumni are also
- Mar 13, 2022
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends, Ukraine is the latest victim of the inhumanity and violence that inevitably erupt from ignored group resentment and trauma. The images of homeless families and heroic citizens touch our hearts because they remind us of the fragility, resilience, and sacredness of human life. This struggle asks all whom it affects an age old question, “Quo vadis?” Where you heading? – toward healing or grievance? Much of the Middle East writhes in the grip of these same destructi
