The Bridge Builders Programme was one of the highlights of my summer break. Learning about the complexities of the Palestine- Israeli conflict, forming my own opinions, staying on Cambridge grounds, whilst having political interfaith sessions and discussions, hearing from a broad range of opinions and perspectives that have challenged my own and learning to be comfortable with that.
Coming to the programme with interest in understanding conflict, and then learning about the intersectionality of conflict and how of affects all of us, unveiled to me, that though I was having small discussions and debates, it was all part of the bigger picture and movement of change.
My challenges as a Bridge Builder
Within my community, I co-run a culture club, that allows us to foster good relations with the diversity of our community. With rises in Islamophobia, violence against women and racist assault, it has taken a toll on the work that I do and my confidence in building and maintaining relationships within community spaces.
The Bridge Builders program created a space where I could reflect and learn about the work I can continue to do and what I see my self doing in the future. I’ve developed skills like conflict resolution and peace building from the intuitive workshops that were provided. I’ve learnt patience and more importantly, communication. I came into the programme understanding that there would be views that I disagree with, but I learnt to communicate respectfully even when topics were more sensitive.
The most powerful moment
One of the most insightful moments of the trip would have to be the interfaith session at the synagogue, to see members of religious groups that are so often portrayed as opposed to each other in the media, to see them discuss respectfully and intellectually about their faith, the scriptures of their beliefs was beautiful.
I was so fortunate to have experienced that session, having grown up in a multi-religious background I often felt distant from both belief and culture. The session gave me so much hope for the future. Co-existing alone is largely painted as impossible, but I was in a space where religious groups were discussing taboos from religious envy to morality whilst not simply existing, but thriving. I have grown in interest and understanding, there is so much more for me to learn but this has introduced me to a section of academia that I am blessed to have experienced. And will seize all opportunities to experience again!
"It was to find solutions"
In my youth, conflicts that have span over decades are unraveling right in front of me. And so I joined Bridge Builders to learn about the Israel-Palestine conflict, not just from our Israeli Palestinian speakers, but from young people like myself and to bring a unique perspective as some who grew up in a mixed faith home. My key take away for the program wasn’t picking a side, It was ironically to find solutions.
Listening to our Palestinian speaker talk to us about the volunteer work he does as a paramedic who, rightfully, saves lives regardless of who they are; then hearing from our Israeli speaker as she spoke of her work as a teacher in a mixed school with Arab and Jewish students and teachers, I couldn’t help but think about the work that I do, Or how within their homes, fostering good relationships is the least of their problems, yet they champion on, defiantly creating change. And so I am encouraged to do the same.
The values behind building bridges
The programme has taught me the importance of understanding, communication and discussion. Bridges can be built using these values, understanding the hurt both Palestines and Israelis have been subjected to, communicating that the state of Palestine is dire and discussing resolutions.
I am more than inspired by the programme and want to get to places where I can share the importance of values like these, where I can discuss and communicate the significance of conflict resolution, on how to build bridges.
I already am utilising the resources from the antisemitism and Islamophobia workshop to tackle these issues in my local community.
My future
The Bridge Builders Programme contributed significantly to my decision to study Politics and International Relations at university, where I’ll learn more about conflict resolution and international affairs. I’ve decided to continue my work in the community and to get more involved in non-profits, but more importantly to keep on educating myself.
There is so much that I don’t know and Bridge Builders taught me to seize any opportunity to learn more.
The Bridge Builders Programme is Solutions Not Sides' flagship youth engagement programme, bringing together 16-19 year olds for a week to learn about Israel-Palestine, interfaith dialogue and leadership development, while spending it with Israeli and Palestinian peace-builders.
Applications for our 2025 edition are open now, to find out more, head to https://solutionsnotsides.co.uk/sns-bridge-builders-programme.