What is Heart to Heart's mission?
Heart to Heart exists to support a new generation of Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel to become leaders who recognize the importance of building an inclusive shared society, and who have the skills and relationships needed to make it a reality.
What is the program's "end goal"?
Heart to Heart does not have a singular "end goal" with respect to a political solution to the conflict. Rather, we believe that the best thing we can do is equip our youth with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate an ever-changing context and the motivation and passion to continue working for change together. With that in mind, we educate on the basis of, and toward the values of mutual recognition, understanding and respect, compassion, empathy, and the appreciation of difference and diversity. We believe that the tools of active listening and non-violent communication are essential for navigating difficult conversations and that it is only by having those conversations that authentic and mutually acceptable solutions to conflict will emerge.
What about normalization?
Heart to Heart goes beyond the average 'encounter' program, which often shies away from important political discussions for the sake of congeniality. At Heart to Heart, we believe there is great value in building individual relationships among our participants. However, we also believe that it is imperative for our participants to recognize that their different experiences of Israeli citizenship are neither normal nor acceptable. We are committed to discussion the power relations at play in our programming context openly and honestly because we believe that doing so is in the best interests and service of our goals and our participants' learning and growth.
Heart to Heart rejects the idea that bringing youth together to meet each other and become friends is an end in itself. At the same time, by getting to know one another on a personal level, participants see past stereotypes and generalizations and come to understand the diversity of experiences, perspectives and concerns of members of the other community. As a result of their friendships they develop a lasting sense of care for and investment in the other community's present and future.
Our staff work to cultivate an atmosphere of trust that enables participants to express their perspectives, hopes, and fears; sharing and listening with openness and empathy. Program activities are designed to prompt participants to challenge their assumptions and seek out new knowledge and points of view from one another.
Heart to Heart exists to support a new generation of Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel to become leaders who recognize the importance of building an inclusive shared society, and who have the skills and relationships needed to make it a reality.
What is the program's "end goal"?
Heart to Heart does not have a singular "end goal" with respect to a political solution to the conflict. Rather, we believe that the best thing we can do is equip our youth with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate an ever-changing context and the motivation and passion to continue working for change together. With that in mind, we educate on the basis of, and toward the values of mutual recognition, understanding and respect, compassion, empathy, and the appreciation of difference and diversity. We believe that the tools of active listening and non-violent communication are essential for navigating difficult conversations and that it is only by having those conversations that authentic and mutually acceptable solutions to conflict will emerge.
What about normalization?
Heart to Heart goes beyond the average 'encounter' program, which often shies away from important political discussions for the sake of congeniality. At Heart to Heart, we believe there is great value in building individual relationships among our participants. However, we also believe that it is imperative for our participants to recognize that their different experiences of Israeli citizenship are neither normal nor acceptable. We are committed to discussion the power relations at play in our programming context openly and honestly because we believe that doing so is in the best interests and service of our goals and our participants' learning and growth.
Heart to Heart rejects the idea that bringing youth together to meet each other and become friends is an end in itself. At the same time, by getting to know one another on a personal level, participants see past stereotypes and generalizations and come to understand the diversity of experiences, perspectives and concerns of members of the other community. As a result of their friendships they develop a lasting sense of care for and investment in the other community's present and future.
Our staff work to cultivate an atmosphere of trust that enables participants to express their perspectives, hopes, and fears; sharing and listening with openness and empathy. Program activities are designed to prompt participants to challenge their assumptions and seek out new knowledge and points of view from one another.