For 14 years New Story Leadership has recruited a competitively-selected new cohort of delegates to undertake an intensive and immersive leadership training program in Washington, D.C. Since 2010, this program has successfully trained over 140 delegates, including Israeli citizens, Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza, Palestinian Citizens of Israel, and Christian Palestinians, in leadership, allyship, advocacy, negotiation, speechwriting, public speaking, and storytelling.

The success of this summer program has culminated in many outstanding alums starting and taking leadership positions in organizations creating change while continuing to advocate with Congress and beyond through development of and advocacy for their Phoenix Plan (see below).

Washington serves as a policy point for NLS’s Phoenix advocacy. During June and July 2024, Phoenix alumni delegations created momentum for their work with Congressional Members, U.S. Federal Agencies, DC-based experts, and think tanks.

The Phoenix Team hopes to build on the promising meetings and widespread interest expressed amongst US Congressional Members to start a “Phoenix Caucus” to expand the impact of the existing Congressional Gaza Working Group. We also plan to expand our engagement with the broader Washington policy community.

Given the EU’s role in the region, and that of its member states, NSL envisions a program to educate and engage European entities on the Phoenix plan (The European Council, Commission and Parliament along with NGOs). To accomplish these goals, we are organizing an initial visit to Brussels and planning to work through Washington, EU and Member State delegations to initiate contact. 

A European-focused program will take the voices of our NSL Israeli and Palestinian alumni to the halls of power in Europe, expanding the impact of the Phoenix plan and activating support from potential partners within the broader European and international community - a key implementation priority.

Exposure to the UN’s network of international decision makers is a critical additional step for the Phoenix Plan. The role of the international community within the Phoenix Plan is contingent on expanding the Plan’s exposure to those players. The U.N. is a critical entry point to access important international stakeholders and decision makers.

NSL Phoenix alumni plan to tour American universities, speaking at conferences and panels to engage and educate the academic community regarding the current realities on the ground and the real possibilities for after hostilities cease.

In the Summer of 2024, NSL began to work with J Street-U to present the Phoenix Plan to: University of Michigan, NYU, Rutgers, Yale, and Wesleyan. NSL plans to continue these efforts.

In the wake of widespread campus protests in the spring, there is a clear need to demonstrate the work toward joint sustainable solutions. The Phoenix Team can expose the academic community to the potential solutions and a new vision for the region. It also has the potential to increase our engagement with academic, regional and other experts who may provide crucial feedback for future versions of the Phoenix Plans.