ALLMEP convenes education-focused affinity group to share ideas and experiences, form collaborations, and work toward mutual goals

Earlier this week, ALLMEP hosted the first meeting of its new education-focused affinity group in Jaffa, generously hosted by our members The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. On a windy and rainy afternoon, we brought together members who work in the education sector, seeking to bridge the divide between young Israelis and Palestinians. 25 people representing 14 different member organizations were in attendance, with a sharp focus on how this programming can adapt and evolve in this moment, amid spiralling youth attitudes.

Representatives from Peres Center, EcoPeace, Seeds Of Peace, Parents Circle, Hands Of Peace, Combatants For Peace, Jerusalem Peacebuilders, Eco Ocean, ROPES, Hashomer Hatzair Ajyal, Catchball Friendship League, Sports for Social Change, and the Arava Institute came together to share ideas and experiences, form collaborations, and find ways to work towards mutual goals for the education sector in the region.

The diverse group brought a variety of perspectives and experiences to the meeting, laying the group work for new collaborations across our membership. ALLMEP has always believed that the diversity of our membership is among our greatest strengths, and this has been demonstrated by the assembly of this affinity group.

Even when some organizations are more politically engaged and others less so, they often face many similar challenges. Talking about them together helps to draw out best practices and creative thinking in overcoming them. The path forward will be led by more collaboration, shared initiatives, and a united peacebuilding field.