Hands of Peace and Rotary International have partnered to produce a successful District-supported summer program. Every summer for the past four years in San Diego and the past 15 years in Chicago, Hands of Peace has brought together Israeli, Palestinian and American teens to empower them to raise their voices as leaders of change. This summer, nearly 100 young people took part in this 19-day process, putting their courage and emotions to the test.
Amidst the intense dialogues, the participants were able to experience team building skills while taking a ropes course, attending religious services at a temple, a mosque and a church (often for the very first time), and putting their speaking and writing skills to the test by preparing and delivering speeches at multiple events. Social activism in both San Diego and Chicago are incorporated into the programming through projects like the Hunger Van Project, whose mission is to provide the needy with a means and path to self-sufficiency, and lectures by Azim Khamisa, who carries an inspirational message of forgiveness, peace and hope.
By balancing daily dialogue with other opportunities to build trust, mutual respect, tolerance, understanding -- and ultimately, action -- the goal is to create impactful change by developing future leaders who are committed to a positive and just peace.
Rotary members from Encinitas Coastal, San Diego Coastal, San Diego Downtown Breakfast, Del Mar/Solana Beach, La Jolla Golden Triangle, San Diego e-Club and Chula Vista Sunrise have participated in the program through volunteering, hosting teens, attending events and offering support.
