Israeli teenagers — Jewish and Arab — are traveling across the United States to share poetry, stories, and essays shaped by their experiences of living through conflict.

These young writers are part of Debate for Peace and the Writers Matter program, initiatives that bring Palestinian and Israeli students together to process profound challenges through creative expression — and to encounter one another across lines of difference.

Their work explores identity, loss, and hope — and what it means to come of age in the midst of war while still holding onto the possibility of coexistence. 

Join us for a reading of their original work, followed by a Q&A with the student writers, and a wine and cheese reception.

“I need the whole world to read our work — to share it widely, to bring it into the light,” she says. “We’re here. Please help us be together. None of us is a monster. We’re all here, and we’re all creative.”

— Amal Buqai Keyal, Palestinian Arab educator and Debate for Peace facilitator, Judeida al-Makr

Watch this short video to learn more about Debate for Peace.

This event will be in-person on the Upper West Side of NYC (the location will be emailed to those who register a few days before the event) and on Zoom. Please note the Zoom event will start at 7:15 pm EST.