This past summer, and every July for nearly 10 years, the Glenview-based “Hands of Peace” has brought Jewish-Israeli, Palestinian-Israeli, and Palestinian teenagers to the Chicago area in an interfaith initiative to build bridges between teens divided by conflict, religion, culture, history and geography.

Its summer program introduces Middle Eastern teens, hosted by area families, to each other and their American counterparts. The program challenges stereotypes, teaches leadership skills, and helps teens launch grassroots peace-building initiatives in their
home communities.

Participants attend daily dialogue sessions led by professional facilitators, educational activities, and visits to houses of worship.