Guideline for Applicants
～Youth Exchange for Peace 2017～

Israel, Palestine, Japan ”LET’S MAKE A PEACE BRIDGE IN JAPAN!”

INTRODUCTION

“LET’S MAKE A PEACE BRIDGE IN JAPAN” has been providing very special and unique exchange opportunities between Palestinians, Israelis and Japanese youths since 2005. It has been continuing in Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and in the Holy Land. Additionally, for the five consecutive years after the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake (2011~2015), the project members have served as volunteers in the affected area in Tohoku.
Since this year remarks the 10th edition, the project will be a special one that involves intercultural communication and dialogue among the youth from three countries on the basis of learning the historic experience of the Atomic bombs and peacebuilding in Japan hearing stories of other participants, and overcoming our differences. The project will be held in Hiroshima, Nagano prefecture and Tokyo, each of which has a unique atmosphere and inspiration to lead us deepen the understanding of the present conflict and build peace by Israelis, Palestinians, and Japanese.
Organized by the Japanese Non Profit Organization (NPO) “HELPING CHILDREN IN THE HOLY LAND”, with the cooperation of “JOHN PAUL II FOUNDATION FOR THE MIDDLE EAST”, the project offers a chance for Israelis, Palestinians and Japanese youth to take part in a great experience of action, sharing, peace building, commitment and togetherness.

AIM OF THE PROJECT

The purpose of the project is for the participants to recognize themselves as builders of a “Peace Bridge”, and, once back to their countries, to share and spread their experiences in Japan through their friends and people around them. Thus they can strengthen their will for resolution of the conflict and for peace.

The project will offer to the youth a chance to experience the joy of working together and living together, despite their different backgrounds. Through the communication and cultural exchange amongst the group as well as with the local people, young members will get the bond of friendship beyond borders by understanding the preciousness of life, peace and respect of others.

LOCATION

1) Hiroshima (Diocese of Hiroshima)　➤ Link1, Link2
2) Zenko-ji Temple, Nagano, Nagano Prefecture　➤ Link1, Link2, Link3
3) JICA Tokyo International Center

DATES

Departure from Israel/Jordan: 3 August 2017
Arrival in Japan: 4 August 2017
Departure from Japan: 17 August 2017
Arrival in Israel: 18 August 2017

VOLUNTEER WORK AND ACTIVITIES

In Hiroshima, the participants will learn how devastating wars are and how precious peace is, through the visit of the A-bomb Museum, hearing of stories of the A-bomb survivors, and attending the peace events.
Various volunteer activities will be taken place in Zenko-ji area. They will include manual work and social interaction with the people and with the youth and children of the area. (More details about the specific activities will be provided later and might change according to needs).

＊ Cultural exchange between our group and the local people (Israeli, Palestinian and Japanese youth) (adults, youngsters and children): traditional music, dance and foods.

– Reflection and sharing at JICA in Tokyo about their experience of volunteer activities and day-to-day cohabitation and discussion about lives and peace.
– The participants will share their life during the project; they eat, sleep, and spend other time together.
– Open symposium at JICA: Presentation of their learning through activities in Nagano and JICA and future perspectives.
– Charity events will be organized during the project.

NUMBER AND AGE TO BE ADMITTED

NUMBER: 9 participants will be selected (Israelis & Palestinians).
AGE: from 18 to 25 years old.
(There will be 6 to 10 Japanese participants plus staff members)

PARTICIPATION FEE: $ 850

After being selected as a member of the project, your confirmation is requested through payment of the participation fee before the deadline. The participation fee is a contribution requested to cover a part of the expenses for your stay in Japan.

REQUIREMENTS

– Agree with the purpose and the spirit of the project.
– Age: 18 to 25 years old.
– Being interested in building peace and peace talking with open heart.
– Continue to be part of a peace process after the project:

* Ready to participate in our exchange programs after going back to your country.
* Ready to participate in our exchange programs and activities for Japanese study tour group in March 2018.
* Your cooperation is greatly appreciated if you and your family could host Japanese student(s) at your home in March 2018 (accommodation and meals) or you would find families who could host Japanese students at their home.

– Take part in the preparatory seminars in Jerusalem (compulsory):
to be organized later with Yacoub.
– English conversation skills.
– Adaptability to live together with others.
– Readiness to communicate with others.
– Readiness to cooperate with others for various activities and cohabitation.

SELECTION

Candidates will be asked to fill in the application form that includes personal details and to answer some key questions. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the local staff for an interview. The committee will conduct an interview and select the participants. Once the candidate is selected as a project member, Hiroko Inoue, the president of “Helping Children in the Holy Land” will contact the candidate.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Please find below the application procedure to participate in the selection of the project.

Please prepare the following documents. Please fill the application form completely. Selection will be conducted based on the submitted application.
o Application form
o Photo
o Copy of your passport and ID
Please return the application by Friday, 7th April 2017 to the following address by email.
TO: Hiroko Inoue: ispalejpn@gmail.com
Yacoub Ghazzawi : yacoghaz@hotmail.com
Please contact Mr. Yacoub Ghazzawi, our local staff, for any further information.
Mobile No : 050 784 2440
The interview will take place between Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th April, 2017 (conducted on skype).
The selected members who are accepted will be contacted by the 12th April, 2017.
Your final confirmation for participation is requested through the first payment of $400 (non-refundable) by 20th April 2017. The second payment of $450 is to be made by the 1st May 2017.
In case of cancellation after the issue of the flight ticket, the amount of $400 will not be refunded; it will be used to cover the cancellation fee of the flight company.
The following fees are not covered by the organizer and should be paid by each participant;
o Compulsory travel insurance.
o Visa fee (if necessary).
o Transportation fee between home and airport.
o Meals and transportation fees during the free time.