In 2005, while working as a volunteer mediator in Chicago, I had the good fortune of answering a job posting for a dialogue facilitator at Hands of Peace.  At the time, I was a professional mediator and  history teacher who had always been fascinated and saddened by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.  That first summer had a profound impact on me.  I remember the faces, the words, the smiles, and the tears of the amazing young people who participated that year. Above all, I was struck by the profound impact that face-to-face communication and sharing of stories could have on young people who were growing up during a particularly difficult time (the Second Intifada) in one of the most intractable global conflicts.  

 

After my third summer as a facilitator in 2007, I moved to San Diego, but I returned to Chicago for three more summers of dialogue facilitation.  During the summer of 2011, I approached Gretchen Grad to inquire about whether the HOP Board might consider expanding to a second site in San Diego.  Little did I know the journey that would result from that conversation.  Starting in the summer of 2012, I feverishly tried to sell the local San Diego community on the idea of HOP by reaching out to my own network, contacting local clergy, making presentations wherever they would listen, and sending more than a few blind emails.  Although there were more bumps in the road than I can write in this newsletter, I was lucky enough to find a group of key people who loved the idea and were willing to support it with their time and treasure.  In 2014, with the backdrop of the War in Gaza, we held our first summer program in San Diego.  Since that time, the program has grown in numbers, and the curriculum and staff have continued to expand in scope.  I am extremely proud of what we as a community of volunteers and staff have accomplished.  While I always recognized the impact that HOP has on its participants, I did not fully understand how much this program can effect local volunteers and the community at large.  The local HOP community has become a family, and our message of hope, understanding, and peace has touched thousands of San Diegans.  

 

While I am passing the role of Site Director to the amazing Sarah Heirendt, I am still not saying goodbye.  I am excited to play an active role on the HOP Board of Directors.  In my new capacity, I will focus on building the leadership development program for HOP XL's and alumni, and I will continue to raise money and conduct outreach in the community.  Who knows, I might even facilitate again some day.  Peace, Shalom, Salaam!