The SHIFT Framework

 
 
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October 7, 2023, changed things…

October 7th and its aftermath changed everything. Soon after the war began, New Story Leadership reached out to our alumni to check on their safety and ask what role our community could play during one of the darkest periods in the region's history. Ten courageous NSL alumni — Muslim, Jewish, and Christian — from Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem chose to move forward together.

First, the group drafted a joint statement on October 19, 2023, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the protection of civilian lives. NSL shared this statement throughout our Congressional, diplomatic, and civil society networks. Yet our alumni quickly recognized that statements alone were not enough. The region needed a vision for what comes next.

In response, New Story Leadership convened and facilitated a series of discussions, research initiatives, and planning sessions among Israeli and Palestinian alumni. This process culminated in an intensive working session in Geneva, where participants developed what became known as the Phoenix Framework. More than a policy document, it was an effort by young leaders directly impacted by the conflict to articulate a practical pathway toward peace, security, justice, and self determination.

As the work expanded through continued dialogue, policy engagement, and collaboration with international stakeholders, the framework evolved. Participants increasingly focused not only on addressing the conflict itself, but on identifying opportunities to build the conditions necessary for a shared future.

This evolution led to the development of The SHIFT Framework (formerly the Phoenix Framework), a living document that moves beyond traditional zero-sum approaches and identifies interconnected areas of opportunity for advancing Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation and preparing the ground for a negotiated and durable resolution.

Out of this work grew SHIFT Futures, an independent initiative led by Palestinians and Israelis committed to mobilizing the next generation to create a tipping point for peace. New Story Leadership is proud to have served as the convener, facilitator, and incubator of this effort, helping create the space, relationships, and support necessary for these emerging leaders to develop and advance their vision.

"We listen, engage, and innovate, side by side, so a shared future isn't just talked about — it's built by us."

— SHIFT Futures Leadership Team

 
 

WHAT MAKES THIS FRAMEWORK UNIQUE?

 

  • We wrote the Framework together, addressing the real needs of Palestinians and Israelis in the region rather than top-down assumptions from the military/security sector.

  • We’ve lived through many rounds of violent escalation that ended with a ceasefire, for things to just escalate again.

    With the SHIFT Framework, we are building a foundation for long-lasting peace, giving Israelis and Palestinians a real chance at a safe and secure reality.

  • While the mainstream discourse tries to force people and policies into “Pro-Palestinian” and “Pro-Israeli,” we know that our fate is deeply intertwined.

    For a lasting peace, we need to consider both peoples at the same time.