The October 7th 2023 attack in Israel and the hostages taken was a deeply shocking and upsetting event, and the ensuing and ongoing war and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has also been deeply shocking and upsetting. The one-year anniversary will need to be marked with sensitivity and respect for all those who have been affected. Here is our advice to teachers.

The Bridge Builders program was a pivotal experience that not only shaped my personal path, but also ignited a sense of hope and inspiration that continues to guide me today. This programme arrived at a critical juncture in my life, offering a transformative lens through which to understand and address some of the most pressing social issues of our time. In 2021, as a fresh history graduate who had written my thesis on the experiences of refugees in 1940s Britain, I was grappling with how to *turn my ideas into a meaningful impact in the world.

A message from our Founder and Director, Sharon Booth
 

As a new academic year begins, we want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve shared over the past year and to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. The past academic year has been marked by significant successes and equally profound challenges, particularly in the context of the ongoing situation in Israel and Palestine.

As we close our 2023/4 school year, we reflect on what has been one of our most challenging, significant yet powerful years yet. 

"The pain of this year for our communities has been devastating. The progress we make from here will be paramount. It's time to de-escalate, educate, and give the next generation the chance to define a future of peace, justice, equality, and a rejection of hate" - Sharon Booth, our Founder and Director.

It’s important not to shut down legitimate conversation or protest around Israel-Palestine at a crucial time, but it is also essential that discourse does not stray into xenophobia or racism against Palestinians or Israelis.