Middle East Program

“We believe that it is possible to create a Middle East that is peaceful, open and prosperous. A place where human life is highly valued and the quality of life is steadily improving; where justice and human rights are respected; where religious, cultural and political diversity is both appreciated and secured through mutual trust and freedom of expression. “

Middle East Program was founded in 2002 with the mission to build meaningful, long-term relationships between leaders from all sectors of society. Current participants include top chefs, philosophers, teachers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs and political aspirants from both sides of the conflict. For some, just being part of such a project comes with very real and inherent risk. However, the members of MEP believe it is possible to peacefully challenge and change the status quo in a region that has for too long been entrenched in conflict.

Before joining MEP, some of our Israeli members had never met a Palestinian. Some of our Jordanian members had never met an Israeli. You get the idea? It is so difficult for ordinary people to meet and get to know each other in the Middle East! That's crazy - how can you actually care about and have real compassion for your neighbor when you have never met?

As for our logo: when yellow mixes with red it creates something new...orange. Just by getting to know the other - there is the chance of creating something new, in realizing that change is possible. I can do it, you can do it...we can do it together.