Important Notice Regarding NSL’s upcoming 2026 Leadership Program
The Phoenix Framework stands as a tangible accomplishment of NSL’s Leadership Program. It is an alumni-authored blueprint that emerged, in crisis and war, from a decade of NSL’s Washington Leadership Program and proves the model works. Every original Phoenix co-author is a program graduate, and across the region our alumni continue leading bridge-building and peacebuilding efforts.
In this pivotal moment in which the next 6-12 months will decide the outcome of the region for generations, NSL is preparing to relaunch this training ground for the next wave of accomplished Israeli and Palestinian leaders, paused since October 7. Stay tuned for more updates.
New Story Leadership
DC Leadership Program
Each year, NSL selects 10 impressive and accomplished leaders aged 20-30, 5 Israeli and 5 Palestinian. NSL brings them to Washington DC to live, learn and advocate together for peace and justice in their homeland.
NSL’s DC Leadership Program consists of five main elements:
Discovering the Power of their Stories (Narrative Method)
Training in Leadership Skills
Working with Leaders
Briefing and Advocacy on Capitol Hill
Speaking to Audiences Throughout DC
Discovering the Power of Their Story
Delegates receive Narrative Method training to uncover and hone the power that comes from sharing their lived experience to engage and challenge their audience.
This forms the basis for their DC speeches and advocacy that follow, making Delegates’ voices more impactful and their work for change more effective going forward.
Training In Leadership Skills
Throughout their time with NSL, delegates receive training from the best DC has to offer. Topics include: public speaking, advocacy, negotiation, technical writing, speechwriting, allyship and networking.
In addition, delegates meet and learn from professionals with direct experience working for regional influence, including the U.S. Institute of Peace, J Street, United Nations Development Program, and Embassies in Washington.
After their DC Leadership experience, delegates return to the region as more effective agents of change.
Briefings and Advocacy on Capitol Hill
NSL delegates brief Senators, Congresspeople, members of their staff, and other decision makers about their experiences back home. Together, they advocate for policies that our delegates agree promote justice and peace.
NSL delegates have been invited to submit recommendations for key policies in the areas of: environmental and water resources management, Iron Dome coverage in the Negev, water and electricity scarcity in Gaza, and guidance on Middle East Peace from the perspective of the region’s youth.
NSL is the only organization bringing to Washington the voices of the region’s next generation of leaders working together for peace and justice in their homeland.
Working with Leaders
NSL Delegates spend three days each week on Capitol Hill and in other relevant organizations learning from the inside how the powers and politics in Washington influence their homeland.
Delegates work individually or in mixed pairs in the offices of numerous elected representatives and Congressional committees. Other delegates work within the offices of powerful NGOs whose work directly impacts lives back home.
Speaking To Audiences Throughout DC
NSL delegates take the stage at speaking engagements throughout the Washington, DC area. Through the witness of their personal stories, delegates challenge their audiences to reassess their understanding of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Delegates speak at Capitol Hill forums with Senators, Representatives and their staffs, within numerous faith-based communities, to high school and university students, and before private and government-affiliated organizations.