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Youth Exchange for Peace Project

This two-week summer program is open to students and
young professionals from Japan, Israel, and Palestine.

Become an active “peace maker”!

The purpose of the Peace Bridge Program is to let youth from three countries experience the joy of cooperation and collaboration foster friendship.

Through communal living, volunteering activities, seminars, and cultural exchanges, the participants will deepen their understanding of the importance of human life and peace.

Israel, Palestine, and Japan

Youth Exchange for Peace Project 2023

“LET’S BUILD A PEACE BRIDGE IN JAPAN!”

Hiroshima, Nagano, Tokyo
7th (Mon) ~ 23rd (Wed), August 2023

About The Project 2023

Peace in the Middle East is very often at the mercy of the uncertain and confusing international political situations. Yet, we firmly believe in the power of grass-root movements that could sometimes have a great impact on the whole world. The situation in Ukraine is becoming increasingly tense, and concerns over the use of nuclear weapons are growing. As fears spread throughout the world that the survival of humankind could endanger.

We also have hope and confidence in the young generation’s eagerness and capacity to become true and effective peace builders to achieve true and durable peace in the future. Hiroshima, where the G7 will be held in May this year, is a place for dialogue aimed at world peace and sustainable development. We hope the young generation come together and send a powerful message of peace from Hiroshima to the world.

Therefore, the organizer of the Project, “HELPING CHILDREN IN THE HOLY LAND”, Japanese nonprofit organization (NGO) and co-organizer “JOHN PAUL II FOUNDATION FOR THE MIDDLE EAST” (NGO), invite Israeli and Palestinian youth to come to Japan this summer and to take part, with Japanese students, in a very challenging adventure for peace building, action, sharing, commitment and togetherness.

Since 2005, this Project has provided every year a very special and unique exchange opportunity for the youths from the three countries. The Project took place in Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Nagano, Sendai, also in the Holy Land. Additionally, for the five consecutive years (2011~2015) after the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake, the project members from the 3 countries have served as volunteers in the affected area in Tohoku.

This year, the Project will be held in Hiroshima, and Nagano, as well as in Tokyo, the exciting capital of Japan. 

Youth Exchange for Peace
BE PEACE BUILDERS!

You will live a communal life for two weeks, overcoming difficulties together and accepting diversity, you will all find together a “Way for Peace” and cultivate a life-long friendship.

  • Learn from Hiroshima
    You will visit Hiroshima and see the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Museum and hear about the experiences of hibakusha (A-bomb survivor).
  • Mutual respect and consideration
    You will participate in dialogues and workshops and share with each other your own stories of the conflict. This way, you will understand and sympathize with “the other side’s situation” and deepen your understanding about the ongoing conflict.
  • Understand Buddhism and Japanese culture
    In Nagano, you will stay in Buddhist temple and enjoy Japanese traditional culture.
  • Joy of cooperation through volunteer activities. You will also experience the joy of cooperation through volunteer activities for children and senior persons and outdoor activities in the beautiful nature.
BE PEACE MESSENGERS!
  • Peace message to Japanese people.
    Besides an international cultural exchange with Japanese citizens, you will have a chance to give them “peace messages” showing your eagerness and determination to achieve peace in your countries – true peace based on human rights. Thus, you will help them open their eyes and hearts to the significance to support you in your peace building efforts.
  • In your country
    And once you are back in your countries, you will share your precious experiences in Japan with your friends and your families in order to tell them that a peaceful co-existence based on mutual understanding and reconciliation is possible.
  • Your contribution for sustainability
    We have strong hope and confidence in you, youth of Israel and Palestine, that you will be able to assume the important role of peace-building together with Japanese youth, not only in the Middle East, but also in the world. We are sure that the new knowledge and friendship you acquire in this Project will be a truly precious support in your future.

We need your contribution to ask your friends to join us!

Project 2023 Summary

DATES AND LOCATIONSAbout two weeks in early August every year
7th August
Departure from Tel Aviv (night flight)
8th August
Arrival in Osaka at night
9th August
Transfer to Hiroshima Join the Japanese Students
9th ~ 11th August
Stay in Hiroshima
12th ~ 18th August
Stay in Nagano Zenko-ji Temple (Gensho-in)
19th ~ 23rd August
Stay in Tokyo JICA Tokyo International Center
23rd August
End of the Project in the morning
23rd August
Departure from Tokyo early in the morning
Arrival in Tel Aviv, the same day
  • Experiencing a communal life: you eat, sleep, and spend time together.
  • Dialogues, reflections, workshops, discussions on peace-building.
  • Learning about “Peace” and the consequences of WWII in Hiroshima.
  • Sharing your personal experiences of the conflict.
  • Sharing your experiences of volunteer activities and day-to-day cohabitation.
  • Various volunteer activities in Nagano, Zenko-ji area. Manual work and social interactions with the people, including children, and senior persons.
  • Homestay in Nagano (to be confirmed)
  • Experiences of Japanese Culture: Buddhism, traditional festival, bon-odori etc.
  • Learning folk dances of each country.
  • Symposium in Nagano and JICA Tokyo with our supporters & citizens including ex-participants of our projects:
    1. You will give a presentation on your experiences of the project and deliver your “Peace Messages”
    2. There will be a cultural exchange of the three countries with the citizens (adults, youngsters and children), which involves traditional music, dance and foods.
NUMBER AND AGE TO BE ADMITTED
NUMBER:
9 participants will be selected (Israelis & Palestinians)
AGE:
from 20 to 29 years old

(There will be 6 Japanese participants and some staff members)

REQUIREMENTS
  • Agree with the purpose and the spirit of the project.
  • Interested in building peace between us and talking about peace with an open heart.
  • Continue to be part of our international exchange program after the project:
    • Agree to participate in our exchange programs after going back to your country.
    • Agree to participate in our exchange programs and activities for the Japanese study tour group in March every year.
    • We greatly appreciate your hospitality accepting Japanese student(s) as a host family in March 2024 (accommodation and meals) and all your efforts of finding host families for them.
    • Agree to keep in touch with us and provide any information about Israel or Palestine to promote interests in peace and in your countries among the Japanese supporters and youths.
  • Take part in the preparatory seminars (twice) in Jerusalem (compulsory):
    Twice during the month of July (the dates to be informed later).
  • English conversation skills.
  • Adaptability to live together with others.
  • Follow the rules of conduct during the project.
  • Readiness to communicate and cooperate with others for various activities and cohabitation.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION

APPLICATION

  1. Please prepare the following documents.
    • Application form: Fill in the application form that includes personal details and answer some key questions. Selection will be conducted based on the submitted application.
    • Photo
    • Copy of your passport and ID
  2. Please submit your application as soon as possible to the following address by email by the 28thApril.
    • TO:
      Hiroko Inoue: info@peace-ilpsjp.org
      Yacoub Ghazzawi: yacoghaz@hotmail.com
    • Please contact, for any further information,
      Mr. Yacoub Ghazzawi, our local staff: Mobile No: 050 784 2440 (WhatsApp)
      Ms. Hiroko Inoue, responsible: Mobile No: +81 90 6538 3255 (WhatsApp)

SELECTION

  1. Selection Process: The process consists of two steps, the application form, and an interview. Those who passes the first step will be notified the date and time for an online interview via Zoom (the interview schedule can be arranged based on applicant’s availability).
  2. The final decision will be made at the latest by the 6th May 2023.
  3. The President of the NGO “Helping Children in the Holy Land” will contact, one by one as soon as possible, those who are selected as members of the Project and inform them about the details and the conditions of the participation.
PARTICIPATION FEE
ISRAELI PASSPORT HOLDER
US$ 1,400
PALESTINIAN PASSPORT or TRAVEL DOCUMENT HOLDER
US$ 1,200

The fee covers part of the air fare. The rest of the cost (ex. The rest of the air fee, accommodation, transportation, food, and other expenses in Japan) will be covered by the generous donations from Japanese supporters.

  • Your confirmation to participate in the Project should be made through the advance payment of US$ 500 (non-refundable) by the 12th May, which is part of the participation fee.
  • The full payment of the participation fee should be completed by 30th June 2023
  • In case of cancellation after the payment of participation fee, cancellation fee may occur. The amount will vary according to the period of your cancellation.
  • The following fees are not covered by the organizer and should be paid by each participant.
    • Compulsory travel insurance
    • Visa fee for Palestinian passport holders
    • Transportation fees between home and airport
    • Meals and transportation fees during the free time
  • Possibility of longer stay in Japan: At your own expenses and your own responsibility.
    Besides, you will pay:
    1. Handling charge for the extension of your stay: US$ 150
    2. Difference of airfare as well as airport-tax and fuel surcharge which may occur according to the return date you choose.
  • Means of payment: We will inform you, once selected, about the means of payment.

Our Project Alumni

Rana Rantisi (Palestinian)

Rana RantisiPalestinian

In this project where Palestinian, Israeli and Japanese youths live together, I was deeply shaken by my first experience of the reality that even enemies can understand and share with each other. This is our hope and strength as we walk toward the realization of peace, which is never easy.

Peleg Bar-On (Israeli)

Peleg Bar-OnIsraeli

I participated in this project twice. I stayed in the army for five years in addition to my three years of military service. During that time, I always tried to tell my subordinates that "Palestinians are human beings just like us.

Haruka Ueda (Japanese)

Haruka UedaJapanese

I participated in the Project in Hiroshima and Nagano and the Study Tour. I joined the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs after studying in Palestine with the intention of becoming a specialist in Middle East peace and post-war reconstruction and development. Currently, I am sent to one of the Arab countries for Arabic language training.

DOWNLOAD

Application Form

Youth Exchange for Peace Project 2023 – APPLICATION FORMDownload
Youth Exchange for Peace Project 2023 – APPLICATION FORMDownload

Guideline for applicants

Youth Exchange for Peace Project 2023 – GuidelinesDownload

CONTACT INFO

Direct contact

Yacoub GHAZZAWI

050-784-2440( WhatsApp )

yacoghaz@hotmail.com

Organizer

HELPING CHILDREN IN THE HOLY LAND(President: Ms. Hiroko INOUE)
5-8-7-502 Higashi-Nakano, Nakano-Ku, TOKYO, 164-0003

+81-3-6908-6571

+81-9-6538-3255( WhatsApp )

ispalejpn@gmail.com

HANA WA SAKU
Sendai
Heiawa Tanabta
Project Archives

The Bridge for Peace Project is held every year in early August.
The application period for each year starts around March and the deadline is around May.
For details, please refer to the latest application guidelines.

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CONTACT INFO

Direct contact

Yacoub GHAZZAWI

050-784-2440( WhatsApp )

yacoghaz@hotmail.com

Organizer

HELPING CHILDREN IN THE HOLY LAND(President: Ms. Hiroko INOUE)
5-8-7-502 Higashi-Nakano, Nakano-Ku, TOKYO, 164-0003

+81-3-6908-6571

+81-9-6538-3255( WhatsApp )

ispalejpn@gmail.com