Extraordinary Leader (XL) Program

Participants who have gone through the Summer Program can apply to come back the following year as an Extraordinary Leader (XL).  The XL program is a selective program, and a small number of US and Middle Eastern XLs are chosen each year.  The XLs are expected to participate in dialogue at a higher level, help the first-year participants with problems, issues or concerns, assist staff and HOP volunteers, assist with some programming needs, plan and lead certain daily activities, and be role models in attitude and behavior. 

It was amazing to be a leader and a role model for others. Everybody was asking us what to do and it was inspiring to have this feeling, advising others on important issues. All of the XLs care, and we will not stop caring, and this will help us to change some things in this world.

Mohammed, Palestinian XL

HOP is a program that gives you something to hold on to. It gives you friends that you never thought you would have and it teaches you about yourself and how to listen, feel compassion, and how to disagree but still create such a caring friendship.

Adi, Jewish Israeli XL