A Message from Encompass: Closing a Chapter, Preserving a Legacy

After nearly 23 years of bringing young people together across some of the world's deepest divides, Encompass - The Daniel Braden Reconciliation Trust, is winding down its operations in early 2026.

Born from profound tragedy in October 2002, when Daniel Braden was killed in the Bali bombings, Encompass was founded on a conviction that deep-seated misunderstanding, rather than hatred alone, drives conflict. Daniel's family believed that if people could truly understand one another - one to one - prejudice and division could give way to bonds of friendship that transcend political and religious boundaries.

What began in May 2003 with eight participants on the tall ship 'Prince William' grew into a powerful movement spanning Israel, Palestine, Indonesia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Through our flagship Journey of Understanding programmes and community initiatives, Encompass brought together young people from opposing sides of conflicts, creating spaces where stereotypes could be challenged, identities explored, and common humanity discovered.

Over these 23 years, countless young people participated in programmes run by Encompass. They climbed Snowdonia, visited mosques and synagogues in London, and met on neutral ground in Cyprus. In these shared experiences - often uncomfortable, always transformative - participants learned to see beyond labels and narratives to recognise the person standing before them.

The friendships forged through Encompass have endured. Alumni have become educators, community leaders, and advocates for peace in their own contexts. They have carried forward the principle at the heart of Encompass: that when people truly understand each other, change becomes possible.

“For myself and our family, Encompass has always been bitter sweet. Reminding us of Daniel, with his humour and ‘can do’ work hard, play hard energy while pushing the envelope to achieve so much in this incredibly difficult field where we started out with so little knowledge or experience but big ambitions! Are we proud of what was achieved - certainly. Are we frustrated that it has come to an end - absolutely. But we leave behind a well-connected group of young people, and some now not so young, who we hope may become the leaders of their communities when the present ‘old guard’ eventually relinquishes their grip on freedom and democracy…..

Our very sincere thanks to all who have made the past 23 years possible.” - 

Alex Braden and Claire Mutimer

Our profound thanks go to everyone who made this work possible: the facilitators who guided difficult conversations, the local coordinators in Israel and Palestine who worked tirelessly on the ground, the generous donors whose financial support sustained our programmes year after year, and most of all, the brave young people who chose dialogue over division.

Daniel's memory has inspired 23 years of meaningful encounter and transformation. That spirit will live on in the alumni who continue his work in their own communities and in their own ways.

Encompass – The Daniel Braden Reconciliation Trust (2003-2025)

Registered Charity No. 1096213