Ultimate Peace (UP) is a ground-breaking program, annually uniting 600 Arab, Jewish and Palestinian teens in Israel and the West Bank. The character-building sport of Ultimate Frisbee is our tool. With no referees, teens learn dispute resolution, building deep friendships and trust. After 10 years we have learned that real peace begins between people, not governments. When youth from different sides of a conflict co-create an oasis of peace together, the result is transformative.
There is increasing stratification, tension and mistrust between and among Israeli Jews, Palestinians, and Arab Israelis. Youth from these cultural groups rarely have the chance to interact in a meaningful or positive way. This perpetuates an unhealthy cycle of social isolation, in which prejudice, fear, and division are prevalent. Given the vast cultural/religious/social differences, sustainable peace is dependent on investing heavily in the leadership and unity of the next generation.
When we create a uniquely positive and inclusive community for youth from different cultures to experience one another, they are instantly relieved, and intrigued. Finally, instead of being afraid, there is a chance to explore what has been closed off. Youth quickly let go of the negative narratives they have been taught. They reach out to strangers with curiosity, compassion, and genuine humanity, often forging deep understanding and lasting friendships.
Youth participate in the UP programs for multiple years, coming back to the year-round program, summer camp, and the leadership training program year after year. Back in their communities, workplaces, the military, and universities, program graduates educate and inform people about what they have experienced. Today, they are making life choices to improve their world. This is the peace that we witness in the Ultimate Peace program. This is the peace we believe is worth working for every day.
