Participating in the Bridge Builders Programme in Cambridge was a transformative experience that deeply enriched my understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and interfaith dialogue. I engaged in discussions, workshops, and collaborative activities that highlighted the complexities of the conflict and the importance of interfaith dialogue. As a Jewish Israeli, I have found that learning about other perspectives is crucial, especially being open to dialogue on issues that mean a lot to me and my family.

Instead of creating divisions, BBP enabled me to build relationships and connect with everyone, even though we disagreed at times. Personally, I learnt a lot about exploring my own identity and how I want to represent myself and my community to others.
 

"A greater sense of empathy"

One of the most compelling aspects was hearing first-hand accounts from Israeli and Palestinian individuals with diverse perspectives, which challenged my pre-conceptions and fostered a greater sense of empathy. 

I learned that true bridge-building requires not only listening, but also understanding and acknowledging the shared humanity in every story. This realisation has shaped my approach to conflict resolution, emphasising the importance of nuanced perspectives and compassionate communication. 

While the broader world can feel dishearteningly divided, this programme has given me hope that meaningful dialogue can pave the way for greater understanding and peace. It has inspired me to continue advocating for empathetic solutions and to be a proactive bridge-builder in my own community.



 

What I'll do next

I hope to share all the skills I developed during the programme into my future - at university, my career, and even into Israel-Palestine. BBP healed some years of self-resentment and frustration I had, making me realise that I can be the change I want to see in my community. 

In the past few years, it has been easy to spiral down a path of misinformation and confusion, but this program allowed me to see that I can challenge these narratives, supporting the young voices that I am hopeful will lead to a happier, peaceful future.

The Bridge Builders Programme is Solutions Not Sides' flagship youth engagement programme, bringing together 16-19 year olds for a week to learn about Israel-Palestine, interfaith dialogue and leadership development, while spending it with Israeli and Palestinian peace-builders.

Applications for our 2025 edition are open now, to find out more, head to https://solutionsnotsides.co.uk/sns-bridge-builders-programme.