In January of 2026 we reached a milestone — the graduation of our first program for Radical Aliveness Leaders in Israel and Palestine. What a triumph of the human spirit.

Many of you have been following the journey we have been on. We began in January of 2023; a group of human beings with hope in our hearts and no idea of what was to come. Through the horrendous attack of October 7th, the terrible devastation of the war in Gaza, and the ongoing violence in the West Bank, we stayed. If I ever had doubts about the power of this work or the capacity of humans to use it to navigate the most difficult situations, the past three years have put those doubts to rest. Participants continued showing up for one another across profound difference, sustaining relationships grounded in dignity, care, and shared humanity. What a blessing to be part of, what a blessing to witness.

This work is built on something simple and profound: helping Israelis and Palestinians meet and talk and learn and feel together — eight 5-day retreats over two years, with multiple one-day meetings in between. At these retreats we live together, we eat together, we learn about each other on so many levels. In one of the world's most deeply divided regions, 14 Israeli Jews and 14 Palestinians engage in an intensive program grounded in collective intelligence. Throughout the training, participants meet individually with facilitators, in groups of shared identity, and as one integrated cohort — building the skills needed to navigate conflict, deepen understanding, and foster authentic connection across difference. Through live interaction, participants learn to stay stable with strong emotion, engage conflict without losing connection, work with difference as a source of insight, and lead with clarity and care.

But this work must be accessible to all who want to participate. The ongoing war and violence has strained many people's livelihoods, and many of our participants require help with transportation, lodging, and food — we cannot let that be a barrier. Last year, our fundraising efforts made it possible for a Palestinian school principal and women's group leader to attend. We supported a single Jewish mother with four children who also works as a group leader and practitioner. These are the courageous leaders changing the conflict on the ground. Their impact will ripple out to their communities. They can't join unless we collectively make it happen.

We are ready to do it again. We are preparing our next cohort for August of 2027 and expanding the ways we support graduates as they bring this work into their communities and professional lives. Twelve of our graduates will join the new program in leadership roles as we work to empower them — supported with guidance, exploration, and experience as they move from participant to leader.

All the money we raise goes directly to helping participants who would otherwise not be able to attend. We have a $50,000 gift from an angel investor and are working in this drive to match that.

Please help us get this work into the hands that need it the most.

Thank you, Ann