Jerusalem Peacebuilders

06/24/2026

Our Discovery students participated in a weekend of team-building prep with Texas Educator Blake Burns in anticipation of their trip to Texas in August. This was our first year investing in our students with an in-depth orientation and preparation. It was a transformative experience for both our students and Blake. This was an enriching opportunity for our students and staff to get to know each other for their intense 10-day Institue.

06/23/2026

JPB Discovery Summer Institute participants met the Archbishop of Canterbury at St. George’s College in Jerusalem on June 19. The Archbishop spoke with the group about leadership and interfaith dialogue, encouraging them as they prepare for their summer institute in Texas. The youth also took part in a short Q&A session with the Archbishop.

The group gathered in Jerusalem for a weekend of training with our JPB Texas Educator, Blake Burns.

06/14/2026

JPB Visits Schools in the Bedouin Sector | Northern Israel

Dr. Elias Farah, JPB Executive Director, met with students and teachers from across the Bedouin sector in northern Israel, leading workshops and introducing JPB’s educational and leadership programs.

Participants represented different schools and age groups, ranging from 10 to 18 years old. Through interactive activities and discussions, they explored leadership, communication, teamwork, and opportunities for personal growth.

We were inspired by the enthusiasm of both the students and teachers and look forward to welcoming many of them into future JPB programs.

06/12/2026

Facilitating Discussion and Debate in the English Classroom | Tel Aviv | June 4

Dr. Elias Farah, JPB Executive Director, addressed a group of leading English educators from the Amal School Network in Tel Aviv on June 4, in the presence of senior Ministry of Education officials.

His presentation focused on strategies for facilitating discussion and debate in the English classroom, highlighting how meaningful classroom conversations can strengthen critical thinking, communication skills, and student engagement.

06/11/2026

Professional Development for Summer Staff | St. George’s College, Jerusalem | June 6

As part of our summer staff training, Dr. Lubna Haddad led a professional development session on mental health and managing behavioral challenges among youth participants.

The workshop equipped staff with practical tools, strategies, and insights to support participants with empathy, confidence, and care throughout our five summer institutes. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Haddad for sharing her expertise and helping prepare our team for the important work ahead.

Investing in our staff means creating safer, stronger, and more supportive environments for every young person we serve.

06/09/2026

Following the success of the Nazareth weekend earlier this spring, the EXCEL staff is focusing on the next chapter of the program: EXCEL UK, set to take place in early July in Cambridge and London. Participants will soon come together for a pre-program meeting to discuss expectations, logistics, and themes that will guide their time abroad.

Meanwhile, the staff continues to work in close collaboration with partners in Cambridge and London to finalize every detail of the experience. We look forward to building on the momentum of Nazareth as the cohort prepares to take the next step in their journey together.

06/08/2026

Weekend Staff Training | St. George’s College, Jerusalem | June 5–6

Twenty summer staff members gathered at St. George’s College in Jerusalem for an intensive weekend of training and preparation ahead of our five summer institutes, which begin on July 1.

Over two days, staff participated in workshops, team-building activities, and planning sessions designed to strengthen their leadership, facilitation, and mentoring skills. Their dedication, energy, and commitment will help create meaningful and transformative experiences for all participants this summer.

We are excited for the journey ahead and grateful for this outstanding team.

05/26/2026

05/12/2026

A weekend in Nazareth, a journey through identity, storytelling, and dialogue. Participants in the JPB-Retorika EXCEL 2026 program spent two days walking historic streets, sharing personal narratives, and exploring the power of words, from human rights storytelling to the quiet precision of the haiku. Grateful to our guest speaker, Prof. Rachel Tzvia Back, the EXCEL team, and every participant who showed up with openness and heart.

05/05/2026

JPB Co-founders, Fr. Nicholas and Dorothy Porter attend the wedding of their Godson (and JPB Board member) Philip Kensinger to Electra Thomas. Fr. Nicholas co-officiated the ceremony, giving the homily and leading the happy couple through their vows and exchanging rings. We hold Philip and Electra in love and prayer as they begin their honeymoon.