Guideline for Applicants
～Youth Exchange for Peace 2020～

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

Introduction

Peace in the Middle East is very often at the mercy of the uncertain and confusing international political situations. And the on-going Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, the longest and the most complicated one, has no clear perspective for a peace resolution based on justice and equity. Yet, we firmly believe in the power of grass-root movements that could sometimes have a great impact on the whole world. Specially, we have hope and confidence in the young generation’s eagerness and capacity to become true and effective peace builders to achieve true and durable peace in the future.
Therefore, the Organizer of the Project, “HELPING CHILDREN IN THE HOLY LAND”, Japanese nonprofit organization (NGO) and the Co-Organizer “JOHN PAUL II FOUNDATION FOR THE MIDDLE EAST” (NGO), invite Israeli and Palestinian youth to come to Japan this summer and to take part, with Japanese students, in a very challenging adventure for peace building, action, sharing, commitment and togetherness.
Since 2005, this Project has provided every year a very special and unique exchange opportunity for the youths from the three countries. The Project has been already carried out in Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, also in the Holy Land. Additionally, for the five consecutive years (2011~2015) after the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake, the project members have served as volunteers in the affected area in Tohoku. This year, the Project will be held in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, as well as in Tokyo, the exciting capital of Japan.

BE PEACE BUILDERS !

You will live a communal life for two weeks, overcoming difficulties together and accepting diversity one another. The key words are “mutual respect and consideration”. You will participate in dialogues and workshops and share with each other your own stories of the conflict. This way, you will understand and sympathize with “the other side’s situation” and deepen your understanding about the ongoing conflict.
You will also experience joy of cooperation through volunteer activities for children and senior persons and outdoor activities in the beautiful nature.
In particular, you will build peace and promote mutual understanding among Israelis, Palestinians and Japanese, through international cultural exchange activities, especially traditional music or dance.
Through the challenging and intensive two-week experience, you will all find together a “Way for Peace” and cultivate a life-long friendship.

BE PEACE MESSENGERS !

During the project, you will have an opportunity to give “peace messages” to Japanese citizens in order to show them your eagerness and determination to achieve peace in your countries – true peace based on the human rights. Thus, you will help them to open their eyes and hearts to the necessity to support you in your peace building efforts.
The most important thing is that, once you are back in your countries, you will share your precious experiences in Japan with your friends and your families in order to tell them that a peaceful co-existence based on mutual understanding and reconciliation is possible.

We have strong hope and confidence in you, youth of Israel and Palestine, that you will be able to assume the important role of peace-building together with Japanese youth, not only in the Middle East, but also in the world. We are sure that the new knowledge and friendship you will acquire in this Project will be a truly precious support in your future.
The world needs you and expect you to become a true peace-builder.

DATES AND LOCATIONS

From the 11th (Tue) to the 26th (Wed) August, 2020 (16 days)

11th August Departure from Tel Aviv to Tokyo
12th August Arrival in Tokyo and transfer to NAGANO Join the Japanese Students
12th ~ 23rd August Stay in Nagano Zenko-ji Temple (Gensho-in, Pilgrims’ House)
23rd ~ 25th August Stay in Tokyo JICA Tokyo International Center (undecided)*
* Because of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, the accommodation and the schedule of the project are subject to change a little bit.
25th August End of the Project Departure from Tokyo to Tel Aviv
26th August Arrival in Tel Aviv

ACTIVITIES

Experiencing a communal life: you eat, sleep, and spend time together.
Cultural Exchange Event in Nagago:
1) Presentation on your experiences of the Project and deliver your “Peace Messages”
2) Cultural exchange of the three countries which involves traditional music, dance and foods of the 3 countries.
Dialogues, reflections, workshops, discussions on peace-building.
Sharing your personal experiences of the conflict.
Sharing your experiences of volunteer activities and day-to-day cohabitation.
Various volunteer activities in Nagano, Zenko-ji area. They will include manual work and social interactions with the people of the area, including children, youths and senior persons.
Homestay in Nagano
Experiences of Japanese Culture: Buddhism, traditional festival, bon-odori etc.

NUMBER AND AGE TO BE ADMITTED

NUMBER: 8~9 participants will be selected (Israelis & Palestinians).
AGE: from 20 to 26 years old.
(There will be several Japanese participants plus staff members)

REQUIREMENTS

– Agree with the purpose and the spirit of the project.
– Interested in building peace and peace talking with open heart.
– Continue to be part of a peace process after the project:

* Ready to cooperate with us in our peace programs after going back to your country.
* Ready to participate in our exchange programs and activities for Japanese study tour group in March every year.
* We greatly appreciate your hospitality accepting Japanese student(s) as host family in March 2021 (accommodation and meals) and also all your efforts of finding host families for them.

– Take part in the preparatory seminars and rehearsals in Jerusalem (compulsory)

We will have meetings twice in May, twice in June and once in July.
The dates will be advised later to those who will be selected.
– English conversation skills.
– Adaptability to live together with others.
– Commitment to Follow “the rules of conduct” during the project.

APPLICATION and SELECTION

APPLICATION:

Please prepare the following documents.
・Application form: Fill in the application form that includes personal details and to answer some key questions. Selection will be conducted based on the submitted application.
・Your Profile Photo
・Copy of your passport and ID
Please send your application documents to the following address by email.
・TO: Hiroko Inoue Mail: ispalejpn@gmail.com
: Yacoub Ghazzawi Mail: yacoghaz@hotmail.com
・CC: Fr. Ibrahim Faltas Mail: direttore@tscjerusalem.org
Deadlines for applying
1) the 20th March

SELECTION:

According to the first selection on the submitted applications, you will be advised for an interview (20~30 minutes) which will take place in person or through skype.
Yacoub, our local staff, will contact you for the scheduling of the interview.
The final decision will be made by the 31th March 2020.
The President of the NGO “Helping Children in the Holy Land” will contact, as soon as possible, with those who are selected as members of the Project and inform them about the details and the conditions of the participation.

* All those who will have applied are invited to participate in one or both of the “Friendship Meetings” (for the Israeli, Palestinian and Japanese youth) which will be held twice 1) in Jerusalem, the 14th March (Sat), 2) in Jaffa, 20th March (Fri), in occasion of the Japanese Students’ Study Tour. Please see P. 5 of the Application Form.

PARTICIPATION FEE

ISRAELI PASSPORT HOLDER: US$ 1,200
PALESTINIAN PASSPORT or TRAVEL DOCUMENT HOLDER: US$ 850

Payment: You will be informed in detail, once selected, about the payment.
Your own confirmation to participate in the Project should be made through the payment
of US$ 450 (non-refundable) by 10th April, 2020, as a part of the participation fee.
The full payment of the participation fee should be completed by the 30th April, 2020.
The participation fee is requested as your contribution to cover a part of the expenses for
your flight ticket and stay in Japan during the Project.
In case of post-payment cancellation, cancellation fee may occur. The amount will vary
according to the period of your cancellation.
The following fees are not covered by the organizer and should be paid by each participant.
o Compulsory travel insurance
o Visa fee for Palestinian or Jordanian passport holders
o Transportation fees between home and airport
o Meals and transportation fees during the free time in Japan
About a longer stay in Japan: Accommodation, transportation, meals at your own
expenses.
In addition, you are asked to pay:
1. Supplement fee for extension of your stay: US$ 100
2. Difference of airfare as well as airport-tax and fuel surcharge which may occur
according to the return date you choose.