Teens from U.S. and Middle East Unite for Peace-Building Program Amid Conflict

GENEVA – A group of teenagers from the United States and the Middle East, primarily Christians, Jews, and Muslims, are participating in a long-term program aimed at fostering leadership and peace-building in a region marked by conflict. Organizers emphasize the importance of cultivating open-minded leaders who can bridge divides during a time of heightened tensions. “It is incredibly important at this time of war and division in the Holy Land, that there are people who are willing to cross that line of difference,” said program organizer Porter. Participants like Tina Shammas, a 17-year-old Christian from Nazareth, express a sense of calm through shared experiences, stating, “We can talk with people who have been experiencing a lot of hard things — and we can, like, relate to each other.” Adileh, a 29-year-old Muslim from East Jerusalem, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for healthier dialogue between Israelis, Palestinians, and Americans, while firmly rejecting war as a solution. However, the program faces challenges, as some teens opted out due to fears of discrimination. Ali Salman, a 17-year-old Muslim from Ghajar, noted that two of his Jewish friends could not attend. Ary Hammerman, a 16-year-old from New York, shared her struggle to reconcile her secular and religious identities amidst rising tensions, particularly on U.S. college campuses. Despite the challenges, similar initiatives like Hands of Peace, which recently closed, and other youth programs remain committed to their missions of fostering understanding and cooperation among young leaders in the region.