Roots Peace Work Institute Reunion in the Holy Land is already a history.. 28 participants, more than 10 countries, 3 different cohorts and 1 week together is a mere statistics for an event that was like no other we have implemented before.. And we have a lot – all over Europe, thousands reached, impact made, lives changed.. But this one was different, totally different.. And it had to be!

I will start with hosts: exceptional hospitality and care was the highlight of each day and place – our friends from Bethlehem, Jericho and Jerusalem, representing both the East Jerusalem and Jerusalem International YMCAs, made sure that each detail of the program was well taken care of; that we all felt safe and welcome at every moment, at every place!

The Program: what a privilege to have Wolfgang Heinrich & Ankica Dragin still with us after  all these years! The Roots Team & generations of Rooters trained and equipped with tools and knowledge that still define our work and performance. This time it was the Roots Context Analysis together with them – with particular focus on the impact and relevance of Peace Work Institute Scheme and run through the prism of Reunion participants. The detailed feedback and analysis will be made public later, but the statement can already be made from what we have witnessed during the process – our efforts all these years were not in vain!

Exposure Visits: Bethlehem, Jericho, Jerusalem.. Nativity Church, River Jordan, Mount of Temptation, Al Aqsa Mosque, Holy Sepulchre Church and a myriad of sacred places.. Following the footsteps of Jesus Christ and reflecting upon his life, his journey, his sacrifice.. Deeply humbling and impactful – giving so much meaning and motivation for what we do and how we live..

And the work that YMCA does for its beneficiaries in a very challenging context – generating skills, opportunities and hope for the entire community for almost a century. And all of it despite a wide range of limitations and restrictions – because they believe in what they do.. Dear Peter, Sammah, Fadi, Nicola, Elias, Nidal, Mira – you are true champions of relevance, commitment and impact!

We still had time to analyze Roots Media Platforms, record the traditional message of peace, enhance our soft skills, share gifts and of course – to have a great social time!

All of it in a place that accepted us so warmly, in a place that felt so much like home…

And we will be back!