Youth Delegations

Youth delegations have been at the heart of East–West Dialogue’s activity since its early beginnings in 1999. Through ongoing international encounters, young people from diverse backgrounds in Israel meet with their peers from Europe and take part in a shared journey of learning, dialogue, and human connection. These delegations are not just visits or study trips — they are personal and collective experiences that allow participants to explore different cultures, discover new perspectives, and reflect on their own identity through open and respectful dialogue.

What does a youth delegation include?

Delegations take place within the framework of joint educational seminars built around daily human encounters and experiential learning. Participants take part in: 

•  Intercultural dialogue workshops 

•  Group activities and collaborative learning 

•  Meetings with local youth 

•  Educational and cultural programs 

•  Visits to meaningful historical and social sites 

•  Creative activities through art, discussion, and movement

Shared Living – A Central Experience

One of the most meaningful aspects of the delegations is the daily human connection. Participants: 

•  Stay with host families 

•  Share meals together 

•  Spend informal time as a group 

•  Experience everyday life in another culture

These shared moments create deep personal bonds beyond the formal educational setting.

Connection Within Israeli Society

The delegations also create meaningful encounters among young people from different backgrounds within Israeli society — religious and secular Jews, Druze, Arab citizens, Christians, and others — providing a space for dialogue, learning, and mutual understanding.

Long-Term Impact

For many participants, the delegation becomes a life-shaping experience:

 •  Building international friendships 

•  Expanding personal perspectives 

•  Strengthening social awareness 

•  Developing the ability to listen and understand different viewpoints

Many of the relationships formed during the delegations continue for years and remain a meaningful part of participants’ lives.