As the Administration searches for a way to revive the peace process, it is understood that the potential for peace lies not only within the governments, but with citizens, institutions, and organizations.

As track one diplomacy has stalled, the role of civil society in conflict resolution has sparked intense international interest. The merits of civil society work has been written up in important reports, discussed in prominent conferences, and presented at an event hosted by ALLMEP, the Israel-Palestine Center for Research and Information, and the Mitvim Institute.

There is increasing understanding that civil society organizations can have a positive impact on peace processes. There is, however, a need to bolster grassroots work with the professional capacities found in think-tanks. By bridging the gap between the academic and political worlds, think-tanks can inform and support grassroot NGOs with tools, knowledge, and experience. Furthermore, it is imperative that both policy and grassroots activism in the name of peace occur between Israelis and Palestinians. Cross-border cooperation is vital in garnering support for peace as well as strengthening mutual trust.

In an article in The Jerusalem Post, Dr. Nimrod Goren, Founder and Head of Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, stated:

Think tanks and NGOs are carving a new role in support of peace, and can increasingly assist in generating new knowledge, articulating innovative ideas, and supporting policy planning processes. This potential should be identified, utilized and supported by the international community, as it puts a renewed focus on the role of civil society in advancing peace.