Events on Thursday, May 8, 2025
Taking place across Jerusalem
The first day of the Peace Summit will be held across various locations in Jerusalem.
Throughout the day, we’ll paint the city with the spirit and colors of peace, partnering with both established and emerging cultural and educational institutions throughout Jerusalem.
This information is subject to change and may be updated.
We recommend checking closer to the event for the latest details.
The content of the events is the responsibility of the hosting venues and partners for Thursday’s activities.
Film Festival
At the Cinematheque, Sam Spiegel Film School, and the community cinema “Project Smadar,” a selection of films exploring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, along with films about resolved global conflicts, will be screened. These screenings will be followed by panels and discussions with the filmmakers.
The Smadar Initiative
16:00 | You Messed with the Wrong Generation:
A special event for children and teens, where we’ll talk with young participants about choosing to take action and make a difference in the world.
We’ll also screen the animated film Brave — the story of a young Scottish princess named Merida, who is determined to shape her own destiny.Jerusalem Cinematheque
18:00
Screening of the film "Wave Goodbye to Dinosaurs", which documents the struggle of the Northern Ireland women’s movement to achieve peace during the conflict.
After the screening, there will be a conversation with Monica McWilliams and Avila Kilmurray, leading figures in the Northern Ireland women’s peace movement, moderated by Dr. Yael Broida-Bahat, Co-Director of Women Wage Peace.
20:30
Screening of the film Foreign Land and discussion with filmmaker Shlomi Eldar.CINEMA Sam Spiegel | Arts Campus, 3 Menorah Street, Jerusalem
19:00 | A collection of short student films and conversations with the creators (Hall 2)
20:00 | Screening of the film “No Other Land” + conversation with Oscar-winning director Yuval Abraham (Hall 3)
Screening of the film “Tel Aviv on Fire” + panel discussion (Hall 1)
The bar opens at 18:00. Come in peace.
Cultural and Music Events
Throughout the day, cultural, art, music, learning, and discussion events will take place at cultural institutions across Jerusalem.
*Free entrance
Throughout the day Starting at 14:00 | The Mizkaka, Shoshan 3, Jerusalem
14:00 Heartfelt Training with Officer Az-Oli:
An interactive performance with A blend of stories from the field and a demonstration of techniques using love and clowning as tools for softening conflicts and creating change.Registration for Heartfelt Training with Officer Az-Oli
16:00 Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah:
Maoz Inon, who lost his parents Bilha and Yaacobi on October 7th, and Aziz Abu Sarah, who lost his brother in the First Intifada, share a personal story of pain that turned into a call for peace, offering five simple actions anyone can take to turn hope into reality.
20:30 Art, Activism, and Creation During Wartime:
A glimpse into a documentary film documenting the process of creating songs by Israelis and Palestinians in the shadow of war.
With Mira Awad, Asaf Ben Shitrit, Samah Zakout, and Yael Dekelbaum, moderated by Itamar Bernstein.
22:00 Prayers for the Present:
A musical performance with the “Eretz” ensemble led by Yonatan Konda and featuring Israeli and Palestinian artists. Creating a space of prayer, hope, and sharing through music that transcends borders and cultures.
With: Iyat Abu-Shamis / Dalia Shaham / Muhammad Jabar / Dvir Reutal / Ilana Rosenfeld / Samah Zakout / Lehaor Lev Ari / Itamar Gutman / Shira Kole and more…Muslala’s Terrace | Clal Commercial Center, 97 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem | Throughout the day
Starting at 16:00
Peace and Ecology Festival
Including performances by indie bands, a sunset show on the roof, lectures, a children’s activity area, movement and expression workshops, ecological tours, and stalls with local Palestinian food. A full day of connection to the earth, nature, peace, and hope.Camping on the roof is available for overnight stays (limited to 40 participants - registration required in advance)
Museum on the Seam | Kheil ha-Handasa St 4, Jerusalem
15:00 Tour of the exhibition “Combustible Materials” focusing on social upheaval in the local space.
16:00 “How Do You Make Political Art?” - A conversation on the museum’s roof with Chen Shapira – artist, curator, lecturer, and activist, and with the museum’s director, Merav Maor Komlosh.Throughout the day Starting at 16:30 | Willy Brandt Center
Eight Israeli and Palestinian youth present their perspective on the word ‘peace.’ In a reality of war and violence, the next generation presents a different vision – one of mutual recognition, respect, and the ability to see the person beyond national identities.
Curated and led by: Gaia Schiff and Noor Khlailey
YMCA | 17:30 | Entrance fee 15 NIS payment upon entry
Tour of the “Foundations” Exhibition at the YMCA International Jerusalem with Curator Einav Ziv Eilon
The exhibition is dedicated to the fundamental elements of Islam and features items related to the Five Pillars of Islam. The displayed objects are characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and illustrate the unique connection between person, object, and time in the Muslim world.
Through the works of artists Anisa Ashkar (Full Moon) and Daphna Tal (You Don’t Have To Do A Thing), the exhibition seeks to deepen the understanding of faith and prayer today, while exploring their personal and cultural interpretations.
Space is limited.18:00 | The Purple House, 9 Heleni HaMalka
HaMiffal | 19:00
An evening that brings together creativity, movement, and belief in the power of art to change reality.
A unique pop-up exhibition by artists calling for peace, a conversation with the creators and choreographers Raba’a Murkus and Ilanit Tadmor, and performances by Boaz Krauzer and the Bint Al-Funk band.
Production: Makhzkim.20:00 | Hadar Institute | Hovevei Tsiyon St 25, Jerusalem
You are invited to an evening of learning and a sermon-writing workshop featuring Michael Mankin, May Pundak, musician and artist Naomi Hashmonai, alumni of the Emunah Midrasha, and activists from Rabbis for Human Rights. Together, we will study and preach for peace, envisioning a better future for all the inhabitants of this land, even in the midst of painful realities.
In partnership with: Makom – A Political Beit Midrash | A Land for All – Two States, One Homeland | Emunah Midrasha | Rabbis for Human Rights | Hadar Institute
The evening will be held in the spirit of the Omer counting period and will be appropriate for the customs of this time.
Raising Children in the Light
A space for the whole family!
Workshops, activities, and more for children, parents, and educators.
Starting at 16:00
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
Draw Me Hope:
An Art, Activism, and Nonviolence WorkshopA creative, hands-on workshop for the whole family, led by Tali Golan, combining art, activism, and nonviolence.
Suitable for all ages and languages, the workshop invites participants to express pain, hope, and peace through the universal language of art.16:00
Intercultural Nonviolent Communication Workshop
An experiential workshop offering tools for fostering nonviolent communication across different cultures in Israel and Palestine, aimed at promoting understanding, partnership, and peace among diverse groups in society.
The workshop draws on the experiences of past peace negotiation processes.16:00
EMDR Workshop for Peace
The Compassion and Healing Workshop offers an experiential session using the EMDR method for healing personal and collective trauma. We will learn self-regulation tools, guided by a team of Jewish and Arab therapists. For ages 16 and up.
16:00
Seeds of Peace - Bilingual Activity for Families
Planting Flowers and Hope. A family activity in Hebrew and Arabic, offering a close look at the spirit behind the “Hand in Hand” shared education model.
17:00
From Pain to Peace: A Social Change Workshop Focused on Healing
A Radical View of Healing as a Key to Social and Political Action for Peace and Justice
We will explore tools and develop activist spaces informed by trauma knowledge that enable growth from pain and civic engagement.
Facilitators: Dr. Ruti Super-Ilankva and Dorit Perry Halpern, MSW, Social Workers for Democracy | Healing in Action17:00
Multicultural Dialogue Space: Intercultural Meetings and Local and International Connections
With Lior Shorer, leader of the Anna Lindh Foundation network in Israel. An opportunity to connect with a shared community in the country and a network of multicultural organizations across 43 Mediterranean and European countries, working together for dialogue and social change.
17:00
Pedagogical Space: Education and Peace – Education for Peace Among Equals with Dr. Oki Marushk.
A lecture by Dr. Oki Marushk, developer of the “B’Tzevetah” method for transforming conflict into dilemmas. A discussion on practical ways to educate for democracy and peace.
For Registration17:00
Writers’ Space - A Meeting with Dr. Tamar Werth-Zehavi
How can we use stories of struggles from around the world, from 3,000 years ago to the present, to promote social justice and peace? (*For ages 10 and up.)
17:30
Writers’ Space: Thinking of Peace – A Discussion for Adults with Yance Levi
Yance Levi (author of the “Uncle Aryeh” series) in a discussion: How to Talk to Children About Peace in an Era of War? A conversation about the emotional foundations of Israeli politics and the connection between peace thinking, imagination, and creativity. (*) Intended for adults aged 18+.
18:00
Performance by the Bilingual School Ensemble in Jerusalem
A music program uniting 50 Jewish, Arab, Muslim, and Christian students in a creation of a shared language of respect and hope - a living bridge between cultures.
Conductor: Dvir Catz.
The ensemble will open the event with the author and screenwriter Yannets Levi.18:00
Free entrance
Meeting of Horizons – A Perspective from Different Angles and Narratives on Jerusalem
Meeting of Horizons – A Dynamic View of Jerusalem and the “Place” Workshop on Subjective Perception and Narratives in Peace Education. Led by: Prof. Michal Mosheket Berko and Laila Bittash – an opportunity to deeply explore different perspectives of Jerusalem
18:30
Multicultural Dialogue Space: Sulha – A Face-to-Face and Heart-to-Heart Conversation
Facilitated by Daphne Karta-Schwartz and Iyad Abu-Shama from the Sulha Association.
In a time of hatred and violence, Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs, will gather to share pain, dream of freedom for both peoples, and build hope for peace through music and genuine connection.19:00
Global Peace Panel – Promoters of Peace Processes.
A conversation led by Orly Vilnai with the leaders of “Social Workers for Peace and Welfare” and their partners. A discussion on the connection between social justice and peace processes, and learning from successes on ways to promote peace.
19:30
Free entrance
Tours
“Making Peace with Your Feet: Educational Tours Across Jerusalem and the Surroundings.” Learn from experts and Israeli and Palestinian activists about the city’s history and politics, and explore solutions and ideas to transform it into a capital of peace.
The light rail station “Duchifat” in Pisgat Ze’ev.
A visit to the southern Jordan Valley exposes the plight and struggle of Palestinian shepherding communities. We will meet residents who are dealing with eviction, settler violence, and harassment, and learn about the work of volunteers who help Palestinians preserve their way of life.
*Please bring water, a hat, modest clothing (long pants and a shirt with sleeves), and identification.
Organizers: “Looking the Occupation in the Eyes”9:00 | Yaffo Gate
Two guides, one Israeli and one Palestinian, lead a journey through the streets of Jerusalem, presenting different perspectives at each stop. The meeting of narratives uncovers new layers of the city and teaches not only about the conflicts but also about the points of intersection and opportunities.
Organized by: Mejdi ToursThe Light Rail Station
Damascus Gate
Imagining Jerusalem in a Future Peace Agreement: We will visit key locations such as the Damascus Gate and the Orient House, Sheikh Jarrah, and we’ll meet with cultural figure Mohammad Muna, owner of the Educational Bookshop.
examine possible solutions, discuss religion and holy sites, and think together about how to transform the city from a focal point of conflict to a source of hope and resolution.Organized by: Ir Amim
9:30 | Liberty Bell Park
Imagine Jerusalem in a future peace agreement: We will cross key points in the city (such as the Railway Park – Beit Safafa, Jabal al-Mukabber, Mount Scopus, a viewpoint over the neighborhoods beyond the wall, and more), examine historical solutions, and think together about how to transform the city from a focal point of conflict into a source of hope and resolution.
Organizers: Ir Amim10:00-12:30 | The parking lot “Kikar HaCastel,” Ein Karem Street, corner of HaHadasim.
Join a study tour of the displaced Palestinian village Ein Karem. The tour will attempt to uncover the Nakba hidden beneath the pastoral tranquility and highlight Israeli practices of suppressing knowledge and shaping a specific consciousness regarding the area.
Organizers: Zochrot17:00 | The entrance to the visitor center of the archaeological site, City of David.
Time Travel in Silwan: In the heart of the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, at the archaeological findings from the earliest days of Jerusalem, a rich past, a complex present, and an unwritten future intersect. What lies hidden beneath the ground? Which stories are told—and which are silenced? And how can we imagine a future of partnership from here? Emek Shaveh and ‘Land for All – Two States, One Homeland’ invite you to a tour that thinks differently – about Jerusalem, about Silwan, and about the possibility of a future of justice, reconciliation, and peace.
17:30 | King David St. 26, Jerusalem
A meditative walk for peace, reconciliation, and non-violence, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. Come and create with every step a quiet space of presence, human connection, and a shared aspiration for a peaceful reality.
Organizers: Sanehahat Walks for Peace
Naomi 4, Jerusalem.
Free parking is available at the Yes Planet complex parking lot.
Community Activity (Outdoor Area)
18:00 – 19:00
Open conversation with Keren and Riman
At the club (small stage)19:00
Gates open to the public
In the plaza and indoor areas19:45 – 20:45
Classical Arabic Music Performance
By an ensemble of Middle Eastern musicians and the children’s choir “Alif Bet”
Program: Songs by Fairuz, Al-Sheikh Imam, and other folk songs
Musicians:
• Louay Abassi – Oud
• Shukri Amsis – Qanun and percussion
• Tom Margalit – Conducting and arrangements21:00 – 22:00
Lala Tamar and the Band
A captivating performance of folk music from Morocco and the traditions of the Atlas Mountains22:00 – 24:00
DJ Wajima
A set of beloved vintage hits from the Arab world (1960s–90s)
At the club
