In February 2024, B8 of Hope hosted ten Palestinian and Israeli alumni of New Story Leadership for a seven-day working retreat in Geneva. Joined by New Story Leadership’s director, staff, and a facilitator, the group built on a project they had begun remotely several months earlier: the Phoenix Plan, a jointly developed framework for Gaza’s reconstruction and the broader future of the region.
Local families in Geneva hosted the participants throughout the week. Alongside intensive work on their shared vision, the group learned about Swiss democracy, met members of B8 of Hope’s Executive and Advisory Boards, and exchanged ideas with other peacebuilding practitioners. The retreat gave participants something increasingly difficult to find for Israeli and Palestinian activists: sustained time together to think, debate, and create across borders.
In conversation with Palestinian host Amira Mohammed, Mehra Rimer reflected on the personal journey behind B8 of Hope and the complexities of supporting Palestinian and Israeli civil society as an Iranian peacebuilder.
Through partnership with Solutions Not Sides and gatherings with activists, supporters, and B8 of Hope Next Gen members, a diverse London community is beginning to grow around dialogue, shared humanity, and support for peacebuilders.
B8 of Hope helped bring Résister pour la Paix to life—a film following Palestinian and Israeli activists who continue choosing peace, justice, and partnership despite profound loss—and welcomed 600 people to three powerful Geneva screenings.