About Seeds of Peace
Seeds of Peace inspires and cultivates new generations of global leaders in communities divided by conflict. Seeds of Peace equips them with the skills and relationships they need to accelerate social, economic, and political changes essential to peace. Seeds of Peace alumni, such as Jerusalem Youth Chorus Founder and Director Micah Hendler, are working for change in communities in conflict around the world.
Seeds of Peace’s approach focuses on three types of change: personal and interpersonal transformation, and wider societal change. Their leadership development model begins with a transformational camp session in Maine for exceptional young people and educators living in conflict. The program shifts attitudes and perceptions and builds respect and empathy.
Their approach continues through year-round local programs that strengthen relationships and leadership capacities. Seeds of Peace then accelerates the impact of its alumni who are challenging the ideologies, policies, and practices that perpetuate conflict. The Seeds of Peace network now includes over 7,000 alumni throughout the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, and the United States who are uniquely positioned to lead change.
For more information, visit www.seedsofpeace.org.
About the YMCA
- Lord Allenby, upon dedication of the Jerusalem International YMCA Building, 1933
The Jerusalem International YMCA has been serving the people of Jerusalem for over 133 years, facilitating peaceful coexistence between its communities. For over eighty years the YMCA building has been a meeting ground and conference center for people from all backgrounds and nationalities, coming together to discuss issues of shared concern. In 1993, the YMCA was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for its work.
The YMCA is a safe haven in this complex region. Here people of all ages gather together in peace, connect with neighbors and participate in life-changing activities that help them grow in spirit, mind and body. The YMCA celebrates what unites us rather than what divides us.
Through youth programs, arts, social events, sports, wellness, tourism and more, the Jerusalem International YMCA provides a model for how diversity strengthens us all. The future can be different because of what is happening at the Y today.
For more information, visit www.ymca.org.il.
