The Parents Circle’s Young Ambassadors for Peace (YAP) program met in Prague for a week of teambuilding, learning, and leadership workshops.
The program aims to develop young leaders capable of engaging constructively in conflict environments through deep dialogue, active listening, collective work, and trust-building, with a strong emphasis on personal human experience as a foundational pathway to peacebuilding.
The 2026 cohort consists of 24 young Israelis and Palestinians, who were joined by 6 students from NYU. Unfortunately, 2 Palestinian members were not granted visas and were unable to join; their absence was felt.
We extend our deep gratitude to the partnership of New York University, who welcomed us on their Prague campus, and delivered an exceptional international element to the program.
On the first day, we got to know each other better and asked the participants about their expectations. Similar themes arose between Israelis and Palestinians:
“I came to make my voice heard"
“I came to listen to the other side"
“I am afraid I won’t be accepted if I express my opinions”
“I am afraid that my personal story will hurt others”
“I am afraid my home community will judge me for taking part in such a seminar.”
These statements gave space to shared concerns, as well as to curiosity and reflection. Bringing these issues to the surface created greater courage to step inward, as participants felt more understood.
Other activities throughout the week included unpacking personal histories, political imagination workshops, guest lectures, meeting with local activists, and of course, lively cultural exchange evenings (cooking and dancing together!).
The Prague seminar underscored both the potential and the challenges of sustained dialogue in a divided reality. It demanded attentiveness, courage, and responsibility from all involved. As the program continues, these qualities will remain essential for deepening learning and navigating complexity together.
The Young Ambassadors for Peace program demonstrates that investing in young leadership and in safe spaces for deep human dialogue is a direct investment in a more just and humane future.
