Drawing from the jointly approved proposal and subsequent amendments, the following key objectives guided our work in Year 1: ● Resilience and Community Building: Strengthening the community of peacebuilders by fostering meaningful relationships, providing platforms for ongoing interaction, and addressing emerging needs in response to the dynamic political landscape. ● Professional Development and Employability: Equipping participants with technical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and access to employment pathways that enhance their economic and career prospects. ● Sustainable Impact and Leadership: Building a self-sustaining community where alumni take on leadership roles in activities, fostering a cycle of engagement that extends beyond program participation.

This report marks the successful completion of the first year of the "Multiplying and Scaling the Impact" project, a four-year initiative generously supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). This project is jointly implemented by Tech2Peace (T2P) and 50:50 Startups, with Tech2Peace serving as the lead implementer. Together, we aim to strengthen a resilient and sustainable cross-border community of young Palestinians and Israelis who engage in peacebuilding, cooperation, and professional development in the high-tech and entrepreneurial sectors. The timing of this year's programming, starting in October 2023, coincided with the outbreak of an unprecedented war. The situation in the region created immediate and significant challenges for cross-border collaboration, particularly between our two primary constituencies—Palestinians and Israelis. Despite this, both Tech2Peace and 50:50 StartUps demonstrated extraordinary adaptability and commitment to the mission, responding swiftly to the realities of the conflict. With the war escalating, the movement of people across borders became increasingly restricted, and traditional ways of engagement were no longer viable. But instead of halting progress, this adversity inspired us to innovate and adapt, ensuring that our vision of fostering cooperation and understanding remained intact. In response, we immediately pivoted to a hybrid model, blending online programming that could include all members of our community, regardless of their location, with in-person meetups across various local hubs (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and the West Bank), as well as first ever international seminars. This flexibility allowed us to continue our mission even under the weight of ongoing conflict. The fact that participants continued to engage with the program, even in such trying circumstances, is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. They showed up—sometimes with frustration, sometimes with anger, but always with the willingness to engage, challenge, and ultimately learn from one another, much like true friends and family do in times of hardship. Their commitment demonstrated that, even in the most difficult moments, the desire for connection and mutual understanding is alive and well. The overarching goal of this initiative is to cultivate a network of peacebuilders and changemakers who embody the possibilities of positive cooperation between the two sides. Through a combination of high-tech and entrepreneurial training, dialogue and conflict resolution, and ongoing alumni engagement, participants not only build technical skills but also foster meaningful cross-cultural relationships. This initiative is designed to deepen understanding and trust, ensuring that beneficiaries become leaders, advocates, and role models for cross-border cooperation in their personal and professional lives. Over the course of the first year, both Tech2Peace and 50:50 Startups implemented diverse, impactful activities that collectively engaged over 420 beneficiaries. Both organizations played complementary roles to achieve the program’s objectives. This report introduces both partners and highlights the contributions each has made throughout the year. As the lead implementer, Tech2Peace has taken charge of the majority of activities, ensuring alignment with the objectives set forth in the grant agreement. The activities this year included seminars, bootcamps, workshops, and community meetups, providing opportunities for professional growth and meaningful dialogue. While the project is committed to achieving an equal balance of participation between Arabs and Jews, and between men and women, this year’s beneficiaries included 227 Jewish participants, 193 Arab participants, 234 men, and 186 women. Among the Palestinian participants, 39% are citizens of Israel, 31% are from the West Bank, and 30% are from East Jerusalem. This demographic breakdown reflects ongoing efforts toward inclusivity and equal representation. The first year, however, presented significant challenges due to the ongoing war and heightened tensions in Israel and the region. One of the primary obstacles was the difficulty Palestinians from the West Bank faced in obtaining permits to attend activities inside Israel. In response, Tech2Peace adapted by shifting part of its programming online and finding alternative solutions for in-person engagement. To ensure Palestinian participation, we conducted seminars in Cyprus, a neutral location that allowed both West Bank Palestinians and East Jerusalemites to attend. This decision was crucial for achieving the program’s goals, as Cyprus provided the most viable option in terms of visa accessibility, geographical location, and cost. It also created a safe and inclusive space for meaningful interactions between Jewish and Palestinian participants. To maintain transparency and accountability, Tech2Peace has provided regular updates on the progress of activities and has fulfilled all financial and budgetary reporting requirements throughout the year. This narrative report provides a comprehensive overview of the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned during Year 1, offering a detailed account of program implementation and its alignment with the project’s objectives. Looking ahead to Year 2, the situation remains uncertain, but we are fully prepared to adapt as needed. Our plan includes hosting binational activities in Area C, specifically in Beit Jala, to facilitate participation from both sides. Additionally, we are organizing another seminar in Cyprus in February and planning Ramadan events in Area C to ensure meaningful engagement despite the logistical challenges. We remain committed to overcoming these barriers and ensuring that Palestinian participants, regardless of their location, can fully take part in the program.