Dear TalkMatters Supporters,
In Israel at a bittersweet time. Surviving traumatised hostages are home but will the ceasefire last? When will the remaining dead bodies be released and buried? Is essential aid getting to the people who need it? Who is going to rebuild Gaza? What is happening on the West Bank? What happens next?
In the face of overwhelming helplessness and frustration, a profound contrast emerges: I have been meeting people who believe that uniting Arabs and Jews at the community level is a crucial first step toward a more hopeful Middle East.
This newsletter is an update on the people I met In Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Netanya. Inspirational people who are determined to do their best to improve relations between Jews and Arabs.
Meanwhile, at the end of this newsletter we turn to what’s happening in the UK, taking a look at the “Tough Options: Space Between” — a 12-month initiative for 16–25-year-olds from Muslim, Jewish, interfaith and secular backgrounds with more information from the Forum for Discussion on Israel and Palestine (FODIP).
Yaniv Sagee, CEO MEET
Middle East Entrepreuners of Tomorrow
Last month we announced another high-tech initiative had joined TalkMatters : MEET – Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow. So I was delighted to be in Jerusalem this month to meet their CEO Yaniv Sagee. Yaniv explained that the practical programmes provide skills in technology, entrepreneurship and leadership. But that it is more than that, the students can get to know one another, to work side by side, and try to bridge the social, economic and ideological divides.
MEET runs two programmes:
1. A three year programme that enables 280 Israeli and Palestinian high school students (50% Arab and 50% Jewish) to work together on technological and entrepreneurial projects with the professional backing of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
2. A programme for alumni aged 25+. Each cohort includes 10 participants for a two-week seminar at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Find out more about MEET on their website.
Yehuda Stolov, Abier Abd El Daem and Carolina Frimer
Interfaith Encounter Association
At the The Interfaith Encounter Association‘s (IEA) Jerusalem office, I met Yehuda, Abier and Carolina who shared how the organisation has continued to hold encounters and launch new interfaith groups. Though these times are not easy, the team remains steadfast in its commitment to dialogue and mutual understanding.
Steve Klein
Senior Editor Haeretz and Lecturer in Israeli/Arab Relations
Still in Jerusalem to meet Steve Klein, Senior Editor of Haaretz and lecturer on Israeli/Arab relations. Very interested to hear that he hopes to build an online community for Israelis and Palestinians to meet each other on an apolitical level. A social network that enables us all to listen to new ideas, to change our minds and to “be comfortable with ambiguity”
Rabbi Leora Ezrachi-Vered of Spirit of the Galilee
Now in Netanya I had the opportunity to meet Rabbi Leora Ezrachi-Vered . After seven years as a community Rabbi, she joined Spirit of the Galilee as the full time Director.
A third generation Jerusalemite with deep interest in Interfaith Relations, Rabbi Leora works with the religious leaders of six different faiths and with local communities and schools. Projects include musical events, interfaith tourism and study groups.
For more information see the Spirit of the Galilee website.
Lior Davidi, Director of Resource Development & Partnerships
at The Teachers Lounge
Still in Netanya, I caught up with Lior Davidi from The Teachers Lounge who told me the good news that they are opening a sixth centre in the Negev where Bedouin Arab and Jewish teachers can meet to discuss the pedagogical and social challenges they face in the classroom. Lior explained that the teachers also learn about their different backgrounds and cultures by visiting each other’s homes and touring together areas that they fear to go to alone.
Despite the funding difficulties, these inspirational people refuse to give up. They understand that teachers need to know the other’s narrative to be able to pass on this vital knowledge to the next generation.
Roy Shvets, CEO and Amit Goren, Chairman of Maccabi Haifa Carmel
In Tel Aviv to meet Roy and Amit from Maccabi Haifa Carmel. (MHC). MHC is one of Israel’s largest multi-sports clubs, with nineteen disciplines and thousands of athletes – from grassroots to Olympic level. Alongside competitive success, they bring thousands of Arab and Jewish children together to play rugby and practise judo and athletics. Amit Goren told me “it is not just about sport – it’s about community and doing the right thing”.
For more information please visit their website
Yael Noy, Chief Executive of Road to Recovery
It was a great privilege to speak again to the Director of Road to Recovery, Yael Noy today. This is an initiative that involves 1300 Israeli volunteers who drive children and their carers from the West Bank (and before October 7th from Gaza) to Israeli hospitals. I spoke to Yael straight after the Hamas massacre on October 7th and twice since. I was amazed each time to hear that the drivers never stopped their work. Now Yael tells me that if at all possible they will resume taking patients from Gaza to hospital.
So that’s my trip. Depressing at times but nothing to talk about when compared to the brave Israelis and Palestinians who despite the trauma of the last two years insist on continuing to work towards a better world. It is at times like this that hope feels like an act of defiance.
On November 16th TalkMatters together with Oasis of Peace UK are going to visit Wahat al Salam ~Neve Shalom (WaSNS) – the village in Israel where Jews and Arabs have lived in a shared equitable society ever since the 1970s. This special place is where half a classroom of children has family in Gaza, and the other half has siblings in the Israeli Defence Force. A place of immense complexity. I will tell you about this trip in our next newsletter.
For now, be well.
With all good wishes,
Jenny Nemko and the TalkMatters Team
Recruiting Now:
Forum for Discussion of Israel and Palestine (FODIP)
At FODIP, we create safe, open spaces for dialogue around the Israel–Palestine conflict and its impact on communities here in the UK. Our work promotes empathy, mutual understanding, and practical skills in conflict resolution — addressing rising Islamophobia and antisemitism through meaningful conversation and collaboration.
We’re currently recruiting for our “Tough Options: Space Between” programme — a 12-month initiative for 16–25-year-olds from Muslim, Jewish, interfaith, and secular backgrounds. Participants explore key issues, share experiences, and develop the tools for respectful, informed dialogue.
We are starting in late November with our first residential to Northern Ireland in late January
If you know someone who may be interested, please share this opportunity or get in touch via their website.
Join us on social media
/talkmattersinfo 
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In a time where conflict and division seem to increase daily, fear and pain threaten to silence us, TalkMatters continues to introduce the UK public to the people who refuse to see one another as enemies. We believe in supporting the grass-roots work in Israel and Palestine and we know that it is only by working together with you – our UK supporters – and with our Israeli-Palestinian Associates that we can ever walk another path. A path that leads to a future of peace, justice and equality for everyone. Please pass on this information to your friends and colleagues.
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We hope that hearing about these hi-tech start-ups and the fact that we have a large group signed up for our interfaith trip to Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam warms your heart a little in these most dispiriting of days.
Jenny Nemko and the TalkMatters Team