Extraordinary Leader (XL) Program

Participants who have gone through the Summer Program can apply to come back the following year as an Extraordinary Leader (XL).  The XL program is a selective program, and a small number of US and Middle Eastern XLs are chosen each year.  The XLs are expected to participate in dialogue at a higher level, help the first-year participants with problems, issues or concerns, assist staff and HOP volunteers, assist with some programming needs, plan and lead certain daily activities, and be role models in attitude and behavior. 

HOP was the most amazing thing that has happened in my life. In two and a half weeks I learned more about the conflict than what I learned in all my life. I learned about facts and fiction and hate and happiness. I learned about religion and states and the history of my life. Most important I learned about myself and my family and I learned to value my life. We only live once and I hope next year to be an XL.

Ido, 2011 participant

This year was totally different than last year. The XL experience is different because there is more responsibility and the dialogue this year is not just talking about who is right and who is wrong or about who suffers more but, it’s about finding a solution to end the fight.

Loai, 2011 XL