Encompass Trust’s flagship programme is the international Journey of Understanding (JoU). Twice a year, we bring young people from diverse communities, cultures and religions together to take part in life-changing activities which challenge ideas around stereotype, conflict and community. Historically these programmes have involved young people from all over the world, including the UK, US, Israel, Palestine and Indonesia, and have been based in England and Wales. More recently, we have chosen to focus our Journeys of Understanding on the particularly polarising conflict between Israel and Palestine. Bi-annually for the last two years, the programme has taken a group of sixteen young people – half Israeli, half Palestinian – and brought them, along with two facilitators, to ‘neutral territory’ in Cyprus, for an intensive week of workshops and activities. For many participants, this is the first time they have spent time with individuals from the other ‘side’ of the conflict. Alumni from the previous Journey of Understanding Programme also attend, to help their contemporaries through what can be a very emotional and challenging week. Below are some testimonials from our Journey of Understanding participants:

‘The journey has taught me lots of things not only about the conflict, but also about me as a person. I learned that my voice makes a difference and that I can be a positive power towards change, I learned that I can really find it in my heart to forgive someone who has wronged me and most importantly, I learned that humanity and love transcend all disagreements.’ – Samah, Palestine. ‘Today, when I listen to the news, I think about my friends. Those who serve in the army, and those who live behind the wall. I wish them both peace and safety. I don’t pretend to have answers and solutions, but now I know we can communicate to create them. As I see it now, the more people seeing, hearing, caring, enabling each other to trust – the closer we come to a better reality for us.’– Shay, Israel.