” Only the Palestinians can give them peace. The US can give them money and weapons but not peace. And the only people who can give us peace are the Israelis. The Arabs can give us money and weapons, but they cannot give us peace. We must act on these two facts. More nonviolence, more effectiveness. “

– Nafez Assaily, Palestinian intellectual and advocate for nonviolent resistance

At Holy Land Trust, we envision a Palestine where youth are not only participants in their communities but are also empowered leaders shaping a more just, resilient, and peaceful society. Our youth leadership programs are deeply rooted in HLT’s mission to transform trauma into hope, strengthen communities, and foster advocacy for justice and nonviolent change.

Through these programs, young people gain more than skills—they gain confidence, awareness, and the capacity to lead initiatives that reflect our core values: community solidarity, environmental stewardship, and social justice. HLT creates safe and inspiring spaces where youth can explore their potential, express themselves creatively, and develop a sense of responsibility to others.

By engaging youth in interactive workshops, mentorship, and community-based projects, HLT empowers them to transform personal growth into meaningful action. Our approach is not just about leadership as a concept—it’s about equipping young people with the tools to advocate, organize, and inspire, ensuring the next generation is capable, committed, and courageous in leading their communities toward positive change.

Launching Generation to Generation – Junior at Talita Kumi School

HLT recently held an introductory session for Grades 10–11 female students at Talita Kumi School to launch Generation to Generation – Junior . During the meeting, students learned about the program’s structure, upcoming trainings, and expected outcomes. The session encouraged them to register, participate actively, and envision themselves as future community leaders.

The main goal of this project is to equip young women with leadership skills, critical thinking, and confidence, enabling them to play an active role in shaping their communities and futures. By fostering resilience and advocacy at an early stage, HLT seeks to transform personal growth into collective empowerment.

We deliberately target young girls because they often face unique social and cultural barriers that limit their opportunities to lead. Through this program, we aim to provide them with a safe space to discover their strengths, nurture their creativity, and build networks of support. By investing in their leadership now, we prepare them to become role models, advocates, and change-makers for generations to come.

The students showed great interest and excitement, and everyone is eagerly looking forward to Thursday’s first training session , where learning and growth will truly begin.

You can help us continue empowering the next generation of Palestinian leaders. By supporting HLT’s youth leadership programs, you enable young people to gain the skills, confidence, and inspiration they need to transform their communities.

Your contribution, whether through a donation, volunteering, or spreading the word, makes a lasting impact . Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and hopeful future.

In Palestine, every act of giving becomes an act of resistance, a step toward dignity and hope.

Elias Deis,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

This September, we chose “Unity” , because it captures the heart of Holy Land Trust’s work and the reality in Palestine. In the face of war, restrictions, and economic hardship, unity becomes a source of strength. Through advocacy , we amplify Palestinian voices; through transformation , we turn trauma into hope; and through empowerment , we give communities the tools to stand with dignity. Unity is what binds these efforts together, reminding us that only when we stand as one can justice and peace take root.

Holy Land Trust

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