Service-Learning (CT) teens put the finishing touches on the "Painting for Peace" banner

This summer, JPB led a record four interfaith leadership and peacebuilding programs, involving over 100 youth and adults. By far, it was our biggest summer ever. The programs featured engaging workshops, guest speakers, dialogues, recreation, field trips, service-projects, and residential living. These unique opportunities to encounter the other examined core program themes such as the hero's journey, service-learning, interfaith citizenship, and leadership. Through visits to refugee resettlement agencies, diplomatic missions, public art projects, museums, environmental conservation efforts, and Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith communities, teens wrestled with societal issues and social justice themes shared by much of the world.

By presenting teens  with opportunities to learn and practice leadership, they gained hands-on knowledge and skills that carry on well into their professional and adult lives. By encountering the needy and lending a helping hand to those affected by violence and natural disaster, they developed a deeper sense of empathy and our shared humanity. Going home, JPB participants continue to struggle with the troubling realities of daily life in America and the Holy Lands.

This fall, JPB is continuing its programming with summer institute participants, affording them opportunities to meet back up and reflect on their amazing summer in the USA. With roughly half of 2018 participants being former alumni, their lasting friendships and commitment to each other grows ever stronger. 

JPB 2018 Promo Video: "We are Jerusalem Peacebuilders"

	Leadership Insights from JPB teens

New to Summer 2018, JPB added a fourth program to its summer youth institute roster. Increasing demand for quality interfaith youth programming prompted JPB to take the bold step of adding a new program. The Voyager program operated out of Camp Allen in Navasota, TX and hosted 25 youth and adults. Focusing on the theme of "Journey of a Peacebuilder", the Voyager teens enjoyed nine spirit-filled days of workshops, dialogue, recreation, interfaith learning, and field trips into Houston. Highlights include: Ethics workshop, Journey Banner project, visiting the Rothko Chapel, and an overnight at St. Martin's Episcopal Church.

	JPB teens at the U.S. Capital

Unknown to many, the Island of Cyprus continues to experience its own divisive conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Carrying on for decades without progress toward a lasting peace agreement, local and international partners decided to launch reconciliation programs between Cypriot youth to instill the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and relationships to bring about an end to the conflict. 

One such outstanding program is the  Cyprus Friendship Program (CFP) , which approached JPB last fall about expanding its work to reach Israeli and Palestinian teens. JPB accepted CFP's offer to partner, and both organizations proceeded to select JPB teens for the opportunity to extend their time in the USA by participating in CFP's Home-Stay programs in Washington D.C. and New Hampshire.  It was a hit!

	JPB and Order of St. John pilgrims in Jerusalem

In early September, JPB Executive Director, Fr. Nicholas Porter led 60 members of the Order of St. John on a day of interfaith exploration in the Old City of Jerusalem.  The group visited the Al-Aksa Complex, the Western Wall, the Mount of Olives, the St. John Eye Clinic in Muristan, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Armenian Convent of SS. James.  JPB and the Order have been partners since 2012, with JPB leading education travel opportunities for the Order to deepen its membership's understanding of the region and its support of the St. John Eye Hospital Group.  Fr. Nicholas has been an active member of the Order since 1996.