In the short time I’ve been on board, I have been moved and inspired by the achievements of MEET thus far: the dedicated volunteers, the support of our investors, the professionalism of the organization and the extraordinary young leaders we have the privilege of working with. I find it motivating to watch our students achieve and grow through cooperation, mutual respect and tolerance. I truly believe that the key to resolving issues in the Middle East is education.

During the Gaza War, MEET’s team worked tirelessly to act as a bridge between our students and help contend with the intense disquiet and painful feelings. All of our students have remained steadfast in their commitment to the program and to each other. The students continued to meet over several weeks throughout the violence in Gaza, spending time together sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with each other.  The intense fighting between Israelis and Palestinians was a test to the MEET model and MEET has come out of this crisis stronger, with a better understanding of our work and most importantly the bonds between our students. We are committed to continuing to work together, to educate a new generation of youth who see and respect each other as human beings and aspire to reach a just solution in our region.

There are many exciting new developments at MEET, including the expansion of our curriculum to include Social Impact Technology projects that will build on MEET’s successes and aim to achieve a broader impact on the community.

This newsletter will be sent three times a year from now on, as part of our efforts to improve communication with our supporters. I would like to thank all of our friends and funders for their unwavering support and enthusiasm, particularly in these difficult times. I’m looking forward to working closely with all of you to continue building the secure and rewarding future of MEET.

Sincerely,
Noa

Assaf Harlap, one of MEET’s co-founders, participated in a  special event in April examining the role that young business leaders can play in promoting peace. Assaf joined a panel of leaders that included Dr. Hala Taweel: Founder, the University of the Middle East, and Dr. Ziad Asali: Co- Chair, US Palestinian Partnership. The panel was entitled: International Leaders Making Peace Their Business, and examined ways that international business leaders can help to promote cooperation and peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Brought together by a genuine interest in a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East, this multinational and multi-religious group is determined to promote tangible actions that graduate students can undertake while at school and as future leaders around the world.

In April, MEET gave an invited presentation for a conference held at One United Nations Plaza in New York City.  The conference, entitled “Moving Forward: A Renewed Approach to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” featured over fifty people representing innovative peace-building NGOs and academic and international governance institutions.  The focus was on programs that support building collaborations in a post-conflict society, a goal very much in line with MEET’s.  Participants shared their successes as well as challenges they face, and discussed ways to pool resources and expertise.

After the panel, numerous collaborations were discussed that may provide exciting opportunities for both the organization and - most importantly - our students and alumni.  After this successful endeavour, MEET looks forward to continuing to expand its participation in the international community of Middle East peace organizations.

Saher Ahwal, 17, from Ramallah, a recent MEET alumni, becomes the second MEET student to be accepted to MIT.  
Read Saher Ahwal’s reaction when he found out his dream had come true.

The MIT students I met and the ones who taught me are such wonderful people who enjoy learning and teaching as well as having fun through different techniques! These people are so smart and humble who look toward a better future through developing and improving new technologies that will change the world into a better place.

MEET allowed us to meet new friends and befriend new very nice smart people who, as I think, have the ability to change the world and benefit their community in the future.

It was six in the morning on Tuesday when I logged in to the decisions account of MIT to check out the decision. I was in a total shock for about 2 minutes without showing any expression!! It is not easy to know that one of your dreams has just come true. The letter I received touched my feelings deeply. I know that I worked hard for that in the past years. I also realize that without the help of many people (including MEET staff, MIT students, family, friends, school counselor, and teachers) I wouldn>t have received such decision.

I am writing this note to express my feelings towards the positive reply I got from MIT and to remove much of the temptations that keep me away from studying my mid-terms!! If I decide MIT as where I will study (99.99%) next year, I will be sure to come back and benefit my great community I have here, my friends and family.

I truly believe that we can go to the infinity and beyond....

Aviv, Sadek, Adam, Tracy, Issah and Danny were chosen to be council members and Mor, a second year student from Mevaseret Zion received the most votes to be the first Student Council Head.
This is an incredible opportunity for the students to lead and excel, experience the spirit of democracy, and work together on planning and implementing social events for the entire student body. Hitting the ground running, the student council has already managed to organize various exciting activities including the holiday event and students visiting each other’s homes, which are described in more detail below.

In December 2008, MEET students, staff and alums gathered for a fun and festive evening of laughter and sharing. The Student Council organized an exciting and entertaining talent show, put on by the students themselves.

The competition was intense as there were many superb performances – Debka dancing, breakdancing, singing, guitar playing, stand-up comedy and much more.

Celebrating the end of the first part of the yearlong program, during April the student council organized an afternoon of student home visits. One student from each of the 8 yearlong project groups invited all of their team mates to their home for an entertaining evening of good food, games and a lot of laughter.

The students were fascinated by the opportunity to visit their Palestinian and Israeli peers at home and learn more about the daily lives of each other.

Sandra is an independent environmental consultant. She holds a Masters degree in Climate and Society from Columbia University in New York with a focus on water and public health. She worked as a researcher at different Palestinian NGOs researching water and environment. In 2004 she joined MEET in it’s very first year as the Jerusalem Program Coordinator. While her academic interests lie in environmental justice and health, she has strong interests in youth education and empowerment, especially of Palestinian young women.

MEET would like to thank all its amazing donors for believing in us, and providing us with the support to make our work possible.