Until July 2007: Young Leadership Programs

Justice and equality are still controversial topics in the Israeli discourse. Although the state of Israel defines itself as „Jewish“, the Declaration of Independence clearly states it to be home of all it’s citizens, Jews or non-Jews. However, especially the Arabs in Israel are still considered foreign and a „fifth column“. They feel and are discriminated against. Therefore, in these difficult times it is important to strengthen civil society, the feeling of co-existence and solidarity and to overcome discrimination. The basis for this can be the acknowledgement of a common and inclusive Israeli citizenship.

It is obvious to us, due to the nature of this conflict, that peace- and confidence-building measures need to be conducted for a long time to come. The youth of today are the decision makers of tomorrow. The future of the land and the key to the solution of the conflict lies in their hands. If we want them to be able to understand the complexities of this conflict, to be willing to take the right steps towards peace and to be able to trust each other with their willingness, we need to start to educate them now!

The pillar „Young Leadership“ addressed students from both sides of the conflict, Jews and Arabs that are already assuming similar positions within their school environment: Members of student councils and other self-organized groups in this framework. The participants were sensitized to topics such as corporate citizenship, co-existence, co-operation, intercultural dialogue and other related themes. Addtitionally they were encouraged to assume social responsibility in their environment through a manifold of topics such as peace- and co-existence, social justice, ecology, etc. The how-to was brought to them through „learning-by-doing“ and through the guidance of the experienced facilitators of the pillar. By the end of each year, the projects were evaluated and those leaving the programs were guided and advised for the next steps on their own.

Tohis pillar was highly successful and the students that participated in it left it as „high potentials“, able to really take over leadership positions or already having them as leaders and role models in their respective peer-groups. Over the course of the project the teachers and principals of the schools got more and more involved in the process. For them, special flanking seminars were offered where they could learn how to encourage their students in their work and how to find the potential next generation. Here we were highly successful and the teachers gratefully took advantage of these courses.

By the end of the school-year 2006/7 the pillar „Young Leadership“ ended its activities in favor of the „Young Theatre“ program. However, the program-idea has not totally vanished from our repertoire: „Children Teaching Children“ or „Young Arab Leadership“ are very similar project, conducte by one of Havatzelets other bodies. The youth movements of Hashomer Hatzair and Ag’yiel are deeply committed to the development of new generations of leaders.

The goals of the project

Forming a bridge for communication and understanding between Arab and Jewish teenagers.

Common effort and social involvement of Jewish and Arab teenagers.

Increasing youth awareness of the political, economic and social situation in the state of Israel.

Enhancement and deepening of the individual and collective identities of the project's participants.

In 2003, the first year of the activity, each movement held single-national meetings of the individual groups that took part in the process, and bi-national meetings between twin groups were held at the same time. The bi-national and single-national meetings were based on the political and social contents raised by the trainees and guides. The program operated based on the joint planning of youth movement representatives who established the need for communication between the groups, the contents, rules and emphasis in the process, and a mutual agreement over the dates of the meetings and joint activities. Continuous regular participation was required in these meetings, as was a high level of commitment to the content and process itself.