How has Seeds of Peace had an impact on you?

Seeds of Peace enabled me to define myself in terms of a larger context and a wider horizon that extends beyond geographical and national borders.

I went to the Seeds of Peace of Camp with questions about what we—Palestinians—can do to end the Israeli Occupation and fulfill our national aspirations.

After Seeds of Peace, the question became how can we—Israelis and Palestinians—can work collectively to end the Occupation and address other mutual concerns.

Seeds of Peace enabled me to better understand the nuanced and complicated process of changemaking, and the importance of dialogue and open debate within our communities and across borders. I left Camp questioning how can I contribute to change. As I began to answer this question, I began to see myself as a leader.

How have you impacted your community?

I am currently finishing my MA studies in International Business Relations and Political Economy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and building the skills and knowledge that enable me to become a more effective changemaker.

Last year, I took a one-year leave of absence from my graduate studies to work at the Office of the Quartet in Jerusalem as an Economic Development Associate. In that position, I worked closely with members of the Palestinian business community and the Palestinian Authority to create strategic and informed-based investment opportunities and policy initiatives.

I have also served as Youth Ambassador for the UK-based organization Children of Peace, for which I wrote regular opinion pieces for various websites, and served as a member of the Israeli Palestinian Confederation’s board of directors.

EDUCATION

• Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, The Fletcher School at Tufts University – May 2018
• B.Sc. in Communications, Champlain College – May 2015

AWARDS/HONORS

• Elected Youth Mayor of Hebron (2005-2008)
• Selected as one of 12 “Voices of Next Generation” from around the world by the US Mission to the UN Security Council
• Youth Ambassador, Children of Peace

WORK

• Founder of Lens for Change