The Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, profoundly changed societies in Israel and the Palestinian territories. While Israeli society suffered collective trauma from the attack, the subsequent war and the associated destruction in Gaza have also left a lasting mark on Palestinian society. The consequences of these events continue to reverberate today, shaping social and political life in the region.
Over the past three years, connections between Israelis and Palestinians have largely broken down. Everyday encounters, dialogue formats, and many forms of cooperation came to a standstill. Growing mistrust complicates not only personal exchange, but also the work of organizations dedicated to mutual understanding and cooperation.
Against this background, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Israel, together with the Jerusalem-based NGO Amal Tikva, launched a pilot project. The goal of the multi-month leadership program is to strengthen existing contacts and build new connections. To this end, 14 leaders from Israeli and Palestinian non-governmental organizations meet regularly to discuss the challenges of their work and further develop their leadership skills.
Following a kickoff dinner in Jerusalem in September, a multi-day seminar has now taken place. In workshops and panel discussions led by KAS and Amal Tikva, participants were given practical tools for leadership in times of crisis and for dealing with ongoing uncertainty and strain. At the same time, the program provided space for personal conversations about the experiences of the past few years, the challenges facing both societies, and the question of how trust and cooperation can be maintained under current conditions.
The past three years have left deep scars on both societies. Many of the resulting traumas and social rifts will shape relations between Israelis and Palestinians for a long time to come. This makes supporting those actors who maintain dialogue and create spaces for encounter all the more important. In the coming months, the program participants will continue their joint work, striving to foster understanding, resilience, and new perspectives for the future.
