What are we?

Hands of Peace is an interfaith organization that was formed in 2002 as a result of the combined efforts of Gretchen Grad of Glenview Community Church, Deanna Jacobson of B’Nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim Synagogue, and Nuha Dabousseh of the Islamic Cultural Center, all located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Our goal is to begin the process of developing leadership skills in young people from both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict so that one day they will play a positive role in promoting peace and reconciliation between their peoples.

American teens play an important role in the program through their contributions during the dialogue sessions, their willingness to learn about the conflict, and their facilitating the development of personal relationships among the Middle East participants.

Before this program I had never met a Palestinian person. I am so happy I did because I got a view of a group of people that I never would have been given.  This program was so beneficial to me because although I see Israel as my home, I am open to the views about sharing it, and its history.

Kimmie (Jewish-Christian American female)