SUMMER PROGRAM 

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW FOR SUMMER PROGRAM

The flagship Summer Program is a powerful, unifying experience that starts our Hands on their journey to becoming agents of change. Each summer, Hands of Peace brings American, Israeli, and Palestinian youth together in Chicago and San Diego for a three-week dialogue-based experience. In dialogue sessions led by professional facilitators from the Middle East, Hands learn about “the other,” they share complicated and sometimes painful stories about the conflict, and explore peaceful solutions to foster equality, freedom and justice.

We are currently taking applications for the 2022 Summer Program in Chicago and San Diego, July 6 – 25. Applicants must be in high school, ages 15-17. We encourage all applicants to review our Mission, Vision, and Values. Participants should be willing to engage in a transformative experience of learning, dialogue, and action, joining a network of more than 700 Hands of Peace alumni.

Jewish-Israeli Application
Palestinian Application
Palestinian Citizen of Israel Application
U.S. Application
Israeli/Palestinian Chaperone Application
U.S. Chaperone Application

BE A HOST FAMILY

Host families in Chicago and San Diego create a safe “home away from home” for Summer Program participants from the Middle East. Host a Summer Program participant for a window into their world and develop meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime as you experience firsthand how Hands of Peace empowers youth to become agents of change.

New Host Family Application
Prior Host Family Application

Hands of Peace has opened my mind to understand that the truth has several faces.

Fadwa

2010, 2011

Palestinian

In Hands of Peace I got to really see the person not as Palestinian, American or Israeli, but deep into their souls. And first and foremost, as humans.

Eden

2017

Jewish Israeli

Hands of Peace taught me that it takes a group to change an individual, and an individual to change the world.

Anna

2013, 2014

American

Hands of Peace is not just a 2 1/2 week program, it’s a family and it’s a family that allowed me to see the whole picture and not just my snapshot.

Jack

2016

American

Hands of Peace fills us with humanity and builds a bridge for peace.

Donia

2014

Palestinian 

This program has helped me so much, and I don’t think I could have found a better environment in which to grow and acquire so many different skills. Thank you for making that possible.

Dima

2017, 2018

Palestinian Citizen of Israel

I come out stronger because I know I have a special place out there in the world that accepts me just the way I am. It’s name is Hands of Peace.

Niv

2013

Jewish Israeli

SUMMER PROGRAM LAUNCHPAD

July 4-29, 2021

 

For four weeks, first-year Hands met virtually with other members of their delegation for eight 90-minute virtual sessions, giving them a firm foundation as they begin their journey as an agent of change. They participated in training and activities to learn about dialogue, listening, telling their personal story, and other essential peacebuilding skills. Summer Program Launchpad prepared Hands to have an even richer experience when they meet with other delegations in-person in 2022.

VIRTUAL XL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

July 13-29, 2021

 

Hands of Peace planned a two-week XL Leadership Program in 2021 for selected second-year participants. XLs participated in virtual dialogue with XLs from the other delegations and received training in leadership and peacebuilding skills. This was a valuable opportunity to help Hands make the transition from dialogue to education as they learned how to apply what they learned about themselves and their fellow Hands in their first year. XLs also had the opportunity to mentor first-year Hands from their delegation, offering leadership opportunities and connectivity between cohorts.