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Nobel Peace Prize for Palestinian and Jewish Youth

A Strategic Initiative of the State of the World Forum

In a time of profound conflict and human suffering, extraordinary young people are demonstrating courage, dignity, and moral clarity.

This initiative seeks to nominate Palestinian youth who are leading exemplary lives under extreme conditions, alongside Jewish youth who are publicly standing for a common future and sharing the Land.

Together, they represent a new path forward.

Honoring Courage and Shared Humanity

Across Palestine and within Jewish communities worldwide, young people are stepping forward with integrity and conviction.

Many Palestinian youth continue to create, lead, educate, document and serve despite immense hardship. At the same time, Jewish youth are courageously expressing solidarity and affirming their willingness to work toward a future grounded in equality, dignity, and shared life on the Land.

This campaign exists to honor both.

It seeks to recognize young leaders whose lives embody moral courage, resilience, and the possibility of peaceful coexistence.

Beyond Politics. Toward a Shared Future.

The purpose of this campaign is to create a path beyond entrenched political positions.

It calls for what we describe as a “third way,” a commitment to shared humanity over division, to dignity over domination, and to a future built together rather than apart.

This vision honors youth who demonstrate through their lives that coexistence is not naive. It is courageous.

Peace requires imagination. These young people are already living it.

Recognizing Youth Leadership on the World Stage

There is precedent for honoring young leaders through the Nobel Peace Prize.

Malala Yousafzai became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate after surviving violence for advocating girls’ education. Her recognition demonstrated that youth leadership can move the conscience of the world.

In this same spirit, the State of the World Forum seeks to mobilize a global campaign to recognize Palestinian and Jewish youth whose lives model resilience, courage, and moral clarity.

This initiative was inspired in part by Beassan Dabhoor Engel, a young Palestinian astronaut candidate working to advance food science for the benefit of humanity. It also honors collective acts of hope, including groups of young Palestinians who chose marriage and family life as a statement of continuity and faith in the future.

“Peace requires imagination. These young people are already living it.”

– Dr. Jim Garrison, President of The State of The World Forum

Campaign Structure

This nomination effort is designed to be affirming rather than adversarial.

It focuses on celebrating the human spirit and elevating those who are building bridges in the midst of division.

The campaign will include:

  • Identifying outstanding Palestinian youth and Jewish youth committed to shared future values

  • Engaging qualified nominators willing to formally submit candidates

  • Expanding global awareness through social storytelling

  • Building a coalition of organizations and individuals supporting the nomination


The initiative invites participation from those who believe peace is built through courage, not rhetoric.

Initial Nominee Profiles

The following individuals represent an initial list of Palestinian youth and public figures whose work, creativity, scholarship, journalism, activism, or humanitarian leadership have inspired global attention.

This list will continue to evolve.

  • A smiling man with white curly hair, glasses, and a blue shirt, standing in a room with bookshelf and framed pictures in the background.

    Beassan Dabhoor Engel

    Founder of ReVora - Space to Earth Food | Titans Space Industries Astronaut Candidate | Expansion Advisor | Speaker | Mother

    Mindset Coach | Beassan is also an astronaut candidate.

  • A middle-aged man with light brown hair and blue eyes, smiling. He is wearing a dark blazer over a light blue collared shirt, against a gray background.

    Ahed Tamimi

    Activist and author from the town of Nabi Salih in the occupiedWest Bank

    Author of “They Called Me a Lioness” book here | Wikipedia | Book Review

    Ahed first gained attention when, as a young girl, she was filmed punching an Israeli occupation soldier. Her fearlessness and strength of character garnered her the attention of many people around the world as well as the attention of the occupation forces who have jailed her (without charge or trial) on several occasions. Her steadfast commitment to the message of Palestinian dignity and freedom is always articulated with calm and confident honesty.

  • Bisan Owda

    Journalist, activist and filmmaker. Emmy Award, Peabody Award, and Edward R. Murrow Award winner. 

    Bisan's Instagram Page | Wikipedia

  • A portrait of a young man with short dark hair, wearing a black collared shirt, smiling against a dark background.

    Mohammed El-Kurd

    Activist, author, poet and journalist living in occupied East Jerusalem in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. Author of "Perfect Victims"  and "Rifqa". In 2023 he was employed by Mondoweiss as Culture Editor. His Instagram Page | Wikipedia

  • Mona El-Kurd

    Mohammed El-Kurd’s twin sister and activist also living in occupied East Jerusalem in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. Her online presence has been very quiet as of late. Instagram page | Wikipedia

  • Mahmoud Khalil

    Student activist at Columbia University. Arrested and deported in 2025 by I.C.E. and accused of leading “activities aligned to Hamas. He is set to be rearrested and deported to Algeria according to the DHS.  News story here | Wikipedia

  • Aboud Al Majayda

    Young content creator in Gaza with over 1 million Instagram followers. From laughter to tears, this young boy transports you to the harsh reality of his youth living under occupation and constant bombardment. He highlights daily life for him and his family during the genocide. Instagram Page 

    I believe that his older brother, Ashraf, owns the handle for his IG page and helps him with his video content. Regardless, he is adept at showcasing the daily trials and tribulations of life in Gaza. 

  • Saed Alerr/Sulala Animal Rescue

    The only organization in the Gaza strip that rescues stray animals. Founded by Saed in 2006. In addition to operating as a stray animal shelter and vet, the organisation seeks to promote the welfare of animals through education. WikipediaSulala Instagram Page | Saed's Instagram

  • Leen Al Farra

    A three year old girl from Gaza showcasing her cooking skills and sharing meal preparations and recipes. She’s currently boasting over 1 million followers on her Instagram account.

  • Wael Al Dahdouh

    Director and journalist for Al Jazeera living in Gaza. After his wife and two of his children were murdered by the occupation’s bombs, he earned worldwide attention for continuing to report amidst the grief and daily dangers he faced in Gaza.

    Interview with Wael |   He currently has 4.3 million followers on his Instagram account

  • Mosab Abu Toha

    Writer, poet, scholar and librarian living in Gaza. Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, American Book Award, and James Beard Award for Personal Essay winner. Books include “Things You May Find Hidden In My Ear” and “Forest of Noise”. 

    Wikipedia | Instagram

Steering Committee

  • A smiling man with white curly hair, glasses, and a blue shirt, standing in a room with bookshelf and framed pictures in the background.

    Dr. Jim Garrison, Ph.D.

    President, State of the World Forum

  • A middle-aged man with light brown hair and blue eyes, smiling. He is wearing a dark blazer over a light blue collared shirt, against a gray background.

    Jenin Mahdi

    Palestinian Coordinator, Code Pink

  • Eyad Kaileh

    Activist and volunteer