MEPCF Model of Change - A Deeper Dive
Our Approach
The Middle East Peace Civic Forum brings a comprehensive and fresh approach. Here’s a brief summary; you can learn more of the details below.
Conflict Analysis
We begin with an evaluation of the sources of unworkability in the Israeli-Palestinian relationship. Only with a solid concept of what doesn’t work can we logically identify what actions will likely have an impact.
Model of Change
Effective conflict transformation requires addressing the sources of unworkability. Our Model of Change is the bridge between what isn’t working and a vision of real and sustainable peace that meets people’s needs.
Mission Statement
We created our mission statement by distilling the essence of each of the three key elements of our model of change.
“We create communication, inspire vision, and empower action that brings about real peace and lasting transformation to all impacted by the Israeli-Palestinian relationship.”
MEPCF Program Design
Only with a clear mission can we begin to evaluate whether any given program idea has a chance to positively impact the Israeli-Palestinian relationship.
In fact, we design our programs to ensure that they fit within our Model of Change. This ensures that every program we implement is a bridge from the present challenged reality to a vision of the future in which the conflict has been transformed.
We are laser-focused on creating programs that transform the areas of unworkability and move us closer to genuine reconciliation and peace.
MEPCF Conflict Analysis
In our assessment, several key factors have contributed to the breakdown of historical peace talks and the current Israeli-Palestinian relationship.
Areas of Unworkability:
1. Widely Divergent Narratives and Lack of Genuine Communication
A key obstacle in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the absence of genuine, empathetic communication, with public discourse often reinforcing one-sided narratives and delegitimizing the other side. This dynamic has stifled honest discussion on critical issues like historical claims, fundamentalism, violence, and human rights.
The lack of constructive dialogue has eroded understanding and empathy, making it harder to pursue peaceful solutions. As a result, recurring violence becomes an almost inevitable outcome when legitimate grievances remain unaddressed through nonviolent channels.
2. No Compelling Vision of Coexistence and Peace
The absence of a clear, compelling vision for peaceful coexistence has fueled fear, distrust, and deepened cycles of violence. Without a shared “north star,” unworkable systems and oppositional narratives have gone unchecked, leaving no viable path forward.
3. Lack of Engagement and Partnership Across the Full Range of Israeli and Palestinian Societies
In 1993, Israeli and Palestinian representatives signed the Oslo peace accords, initiating a time of substantial but incomplete progress towards a final status peace agreement. However, the process faltered as violence escalated, driven by fear, religious conviction, and refusal by some to share the land.
Key groups who opposed the proposed compromises were sidelined rather than engaged. This exclusion deepened mistrust and limited public support. The failure to build a broad, inclusive coalition ultimately undermined the peace effort.
As large segments of society felt unheard and unrepresented, resistance grew, and the peace process eventually collapsed from a lack of broad support amidst escalating violence.
MEPCF’s Model of Change: Creating Workability
We developed our Model of Change by identifying how to transform each of the three areas of unworkability identified in our Conflict Analysis.
Here again are the three key Areas of Unworkability we identified above:
1. Widely Divergent Narratives and Lack of Genuine Communication
2. No Compelling Vision of Coexistence and Peace
3. Lack of Engagement and Partnership Across the Full Range of Israeli and Palestinian Societies
Effective efforts to address these areas of unworkability can have a transformative effect on the relationship.
Let’s break this down:
Area of Unworkability #1: Widely Divergent Narratives and Lack of Genuine Communication
Our Response: Create an Effective Forum for Honest, Thoughtful Communication to Bridge the Divide
Genuine communication is essential to move beyond violence and misunderstanding. All sides must have the chance to speak honestly and be heard—without ignoring real grievances or differences.
The absence of safe, structured spaces for dialogue has stalled progress. Thoughtfully facilitated forums can help Israelis and Palestinians begin to understand each other, recognize shared humanity, and explore a path forward together.
Area of Unworkability #2: No Compelling Vision of Coexistence and Peace
Our Response: A Broad Effort to Cultivate Visions of Peace Can Have an Impact
The absence of a shared, compelling vision of peaceful coexistence has left Israelis and Palestinians without a unifying framework for progress.
Without a concrete picture of mutual security, dignity, and opportunity, efforts at negotiation and reconciliation often falter. Inspiring and organizing visions—through art, policy, and grassroots initiatives—can shift focus from conflict to collaboration and create momentum for real change.
Area of Unworkability #3: Lack of Engagement and Partnership Across the Full Range of Israeli and Palestinian Societies
Our Model of Change: An Organized and Diverse Movement of Voices Speaking out for Comprehensive Reconciliation can Increase Support for Resolution of the Conflict
Past peace efforts lacked broad societal engagement. To build real momentum, diverse voices from across Israeli and Palestinian communities must be included. A coordinated, grassroots movement—led by civil society and community leaders—can complement diplomacy and shift the public climate.
Not everyone will join at first, but with enough committed people building trust and connection, a tipping point for peace becomes possible.
A broad, coordinated movement—led by civil society and grounded in sustained relationship-building—can energize communities, counter hostility, and drive bottom-up momentum toward lasting resolution.
MEPCF’s Mission: The Distilled Essence of our Model of Change
“We create communication, inspire vision, and empower action that brings about real peace and lasting transformation to all impacted by the Israeli-Palestinian relationship.”
From Mission to Action: Identifying Areas for Program Opportunities
Each of our programs align with the DNA of our organization: our mission and its roots in our conflict analysis and model of change.
Our programs are a reflection of our commitment to making an impact, and include the following themes:
1. Creating Space for Honest and Transformative Speaking and Listening
2. Creating Opportunities for Visions of Real Peace to Flourish, to Imagine a Radically Transformed Palestinian-Israeli Relationship
3. Taking Action to Build Alliances with Like-Minded Artists, Leaders, and Peacemakers and Empowering our Partners to Stand for a Deep, Authentic Peace in which Mutual Rights and Responsibilities are a lived reality.