Middle East Peace Forum

PAN’s Middle East Peace Forum, which has been meeting for more than two and a half years, organized a joint chapter meeting last month bringing together 40 YPOers and WPOers from Israel , Palestine and other Arab countries.  The joint chapter event, which took place in Istanbul Turkey January 20-22, 2005 , was an amazing “Only in YPO/WPO, Only in PAN” experience.

Participants remarked on the openness of discussions among members, the wonderful friendships built across borders and religions, and the unbelievable insights created from learning about each other’s lives.  

One participant wrote: “Though there were moments of strain and frustration, the outcome of the two and a half days in a YPO forum-setting brought about an honest, respectful, and positive dialogue. Projects and various ideas were put together, a breakthrough decision regarding a joint Israeli/Palestinian YPO chapter took place, and the seeds of genuine friendship were planted. Our time together felt inspiring  and meaningful, and judging from the quantity of e-mails and phone  calls across the continent ever since we came back on Saturday night,  it seems the feeling was mutual … There is hope, and YPO and  its members are to thank for that.”

For more information about PAN’s Middle East Forum or the Istanbul Joint Chapter program, please contact Ofir Kedar at ofir@wingspring.com.

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