🌍 Project COMMON BOND: Fostering hope in a time of conflict
Eighteen young adults from Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Ukraine, Russia, Northern Ireland, the U.S., France, Belgium, and Kosovo came together for an international peace summit unlike any other. Each of them had experienced the profound loss of a loved one due to terrorism, war, or mass violence, and here, they found themselves face-to-face with peers from countries they once might have seen as being on the “other” side of their own history.
Over the course of the week, they shared meals, stories, and laughter amidst powerful sessions focused on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and leadership — all rooted in the practice of dignity. Conversations were often challenging, yet every participant stayed present, listening with empathy and respect, and finding shared humanity where political narratives often divide.
The peaceful setting of Kripalu enhanced this experience, providing us with a safe, open, and calm space for physical, emotional, and transformative healing. On July 4, participants traveled to historic Boston, ending the day beneath a sky filled with fireworks, a moment of shared celebration, joy, and connection.
“I never thought I could sit in the same room with some of the people here. It would have taken years of conflict make that possible. Yet here we are, thanks to PCB, building connections, asking questions, and finding answers we never imagined we’d get”
The impact was clear
🌍 One in three participants reported feeling a stronger sense of connection.
🌟 A third of participants left feeling more hopeful about the future.
💪 Nearly half said they had grown more resilient and confident to make an impact.
When the week concluded, our participants left not only with new skills, but also with a profound sense of belonging, connected to a global community of support. Most importantly, they carried with them a renewed sense of hope and belief that even in a world full of conflict, peace can be built - one relationship at a time. These young leaders have returned home equipped to foster peace and dignity, build trust, and spark change in their communities.
💙 Help Us Build More Bridges
We are living in a moment when conflict is all around us, and this makes peace-building not just important, but essential. Programs like Project COMMON BOND are only possible because of supporters like you, and your faith in our mission. Your gift today ensures that, even in the face of conflict, more young people affected by war and terrorism can find safety, connection, and hope, and return home as ambassadors of peace.
