Executive Director Update
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As we enter the final month of 2018, Hands of Peace has so much to be grateful for. We owe a tremendous “thank you” to our volunteers and our financial supporters. You continue to embrace our mission of empowering young Israelis, Palestinians and Americans to raise their voices as leaders of change. You are true partners on this critical journey to support and develop the next generation as they work toward freedom, equality, justice and peace for all.
We also want to recognize the tremendous work being done by our older alumni, including those who are working internationally for the United Nations, for Embassies/Consulates, and for non-profits. Your dedication to incorporate lessons learned at Hands of Peace into your careers and into your lives inspires us.
We look forward to continue to grow in 2019. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season.
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YOU made it happen!
#Giving Tuesday was a big success thanks to all who participated. A dozen people created their own Facebook campaigns, hundreds of people made online donations and thousands of people enjoyed listening to the voices of Hands of Peace youth through Facebook clips that you can watch on the
Hands of Peace website
.
Parents, host families, Dual-Narrative trip participants, staff and even young alumni contributed over $22,000 so far, with gifts still coming in. Those donations equal six sponsorships for the Summer Program! If you haven't given yet, please consider making a small
monthly or one-time gift
.
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Hands of Peace News and Updates
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Join us in welcoming the latest additions to our Hands of Peace staff!
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Congratulations to Volunteer Awardee Kim Lande!
Please join us in congratulating Kim Lande, who was recognized by Hands of Peace as our Volunteer Awardee at the North County Philanthropy Council Volunteer Awards on Nov. 9 in Carlsbad, California.
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Multi-Narrative Adult Trips
L
ast month, more than 30 curious travelers returned from their journey of a lifetime. Our fourth multi-narrative trip was possibly our most impactful yet as we spent more time with Hands of Peace alumni and their families throughout Israel/Palestine. Customized for our supporters, the Hands of Peace Multi-Narrative Tours offer a combination of rich historical, cultural and spiritual experiences, along with encounters that help us to better understand the current political reality. Trips
are scheduled for September 9-20, 2019 and March 2-13, 2020
. If you are interested in joining us for one of these trips, now's your chance to be added to our "YES, I'm interested!" list!
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Qualified Charitable Distributions
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If you are 70½ or older, you can
support Hands of Peace's mission
and
lower the income and taxes
from your IRA withdrawals. An "Qualified Charitable Distribution" from your IRA is one way you can help Hands of Peace's work and benefit this year on your taxes.
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In November, more than 60 Hands of Peace alumni from 2016-2018 joined us for our Fall Seminar in Israel. The program began with a tour of Jaffa, led by Zochrot – a Tel-Aviv-based non-profit designed to create awareness among Israelis of the Palestinian narrative. The program continued at Givat Haviva in Central Israel with challenging dialogues as well as workshops on Storytelling and Debate. For our newest alumni, this was their first opportunity to reconnect with their dialogue partners from Chicago and San Diego – and their first of nine seminars they will be able to participate in during the next three years.
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Chicago Updates and Upcoming Events
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Over Thanksgiving Break, 11 Hands of Peace alumni gathered in Glenview to discuss how best to leverage their Summer Program experience in various stages of their lives. Starting off with lunch and ice breakers, alumna Maeve Plunkett then facilitated a large group discussion on the role that Hands of Peace has played in not only their college application process but also in their transition to college. The alumni present expressed gratitude to the organization for empowering them as agents of change. A special thank you to Tina and Michael Plunkett for hosting!
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San Diego Updates and Upcoming Events
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Fourteen San Diego Hands of Peace alumni joined together over Thanksgiving break. Every year of HOP's lifespan in San Diego was represented by the youth in the program, ranging from college juniors to high school juniors. They enjoyed ice breakers, lunch and a facilitated discussion by alumni Michael Rattner and Zoey Serebriany on the transition to college and how Hands of Peace both prepared them and empowered them in that process. A good time, including hugs and tears was had by all! Special thanks to the Ohlweiler/Williamson family for hosting!
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Important Dates to Remember
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Save the Date -
Chicago Benefit
April 7, 2019
Chicago Botanic Garden
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Save the Date -
San Diego Benefit
March 10, 2019
Hilton San Diego/Del Mar
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You can support Hands of Peace by donating exciting auction items to the Spring Benefits in Chicago and San Diego. We are looking for items offering unusual and unique experiences, travel opportunities, celebrity and chef dinners, vacation homes, sport and concert tickets, and more. Do you know a celebrity, have a vacation home, or travel miles you could contribute? Back stage access to an upcoming show? Consider donating it as an auction item to the Spring Benefit!
For contributions to the San Diego benefit contact
Anna Arft
.
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Summer Program Dates: July 10, 2019 - July 29 2019
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