MEET - Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow

If you’re trying to build a startup that will have a meaningful social impact in this region it’s of paramount importance to get as much high-quality feedback from outside perspectives as possible. That’s what makes our Summer Accelerator Expo Night such a crucial part of our Year Three students startup journey. For months our Palestinian and Israeli students have been working hard to identify and solve tough problems facing their socially, economically and geographically diverse communities by harnessing innovative technologies. At Expo Night these binational startup teams had the chance to set up info booths to pitch their product to an audience of nearly 130 guests who attended Expo Night on the lush rooftop of the AppsFlyer Herzliya office overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

We are immensely grateful to AppsFlyer for graciously hosting this special night. We are also deeply grateful to all of our guests who gave our students valuable feedback which has already served as a basis for changes and improvements to their startups in preparation for Demo Day. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to serve as conveners of such a diverse gathering of entrepreneurs, philanthropists, tech professionals and representatives from other leading NGOs to come together as a community and enrich the educational journey of our students.

We know our students will cherish the memories from this night as one of the high points on their journey to becoming entrepreneurs working to create positive social change and to contribute towards building peace in our region.

USAID West Bank/Gaza

By the time they start their second summer at MEET, our Palestinian and Israeli students have already learned a great deal about computer science and entrepreneurship in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of each other. In a few months from now they will already be deep into the process of launching binational social impact startups. The Case Studies consultancy project is designed to give our students the opportunity to use their skills to try and solve real world problems facing eight leading NGO’s and social initiatives.

The Year Two cohort was divided into binational groups and presented with a number of challenges facing each of the participating organizations. Our students then got to work thinking of innovative ways to try to address these challenges using the computer science and entrepreneurship skills they’ve gained. On the final day of the consultancy project we invited external judges from a diverse range of professional backgrounds to join representatives from the participating organizations in evaluating the proposals our students came up with.

We were blown away by the impressive solutions our students came up with and we were filled with pride watching as the seasoned professionals who came applauded our students' creativity and thanked them for some of the proposals that they actually plan on implementing. Building peace in this region is going to require Israelis and Palestinians to work together innovatively to solve problems and we feel deeply privileged to have provided this young binational cohort the opportunity to have this valuable experience at such a formative age.

USAID West Bank/Gaza

A key milestone for our Year Three students in their social impact startup accelerator journey each summer is the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Launch. Our Israeli and Palestinian students have been working steadily for months on developing these startups during their yearlong program throughout the school year. When the summer started that steady work shifted into more intensive work sprints as each binational team transformed all of the progress they had made into an actual product.

Just one week after arriving at MEET Summer, the minimum viable products were ready to be launched. Each startup set up their booth in the lobby and the Year Two students together with our staff were invited to test the products and give feedback so the teams can continue to improve their products before Expo Night and Demo Day.

Join us in congratulating each of our startups for all they’ve accomplished so far!

We know that the experience of working together in binational groups can serve as a foundation for our students to become the future leaders and peacebuilders of tomorrow.

USAID West Bank/Gaza

Building any startup is not easy. It’s even harder when you're trying to make a meaningful social impact in a challenging region like ours. Professional Day is all about giving our students the professional guidance they need to reach their potential by helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in any environment.

We started the day with a fascinating talk between MEET mentor Divya Agarwal and Meta’s Chief Information Security Officer Guy Rosen about entrepreneurship. Guy shared with the students his rollercoaster journey founding and building a startup that was ultimately acquired by Meta.

The students heard about the inevitable ups and downs that come with the territory of being an entrepreneur. They asked great questions and received invaluable advice about how to deal with imposter syndrome and disillusionment, how to overcome adversity by fully utilizing your support network and asking for help and feedback from your peer group.

After the insightful talk the cohort broke off into their startup teams and began rotating between an impressive lineup of professional workshops led by a diverse group of guest facilitators who work in fields relevant to our students’ social impact startups.

We’re deeply grateful to everyone at Meta and all of our guest professionals for making Professional Day such a success. We’re certain that our students will be taking the knowledge and experience you generously shared with them for years to come as they become the entrepreneurs working to create positive social change and to contribute towards building peace in our region.

USAID West Bank/Gaza

And so it begins! Last week we welcomed yet another cohort of bright and promising Palestinian and Israeli students arriving in Jerusalem for their first day of their life-long MEET journey.

In the upcoming weeks this fresh group of 120 eager students will take their first steps towards becoming the our region so desperately needs. Over the course of their first summer our Year One’s, Class of 2026, will get to know one another, learn about each other’s backgrounds and cultures and begin to acquire the and skills they will use to address difficult social, political and economic challenges facing their communities.

Join us in wishing them the best of luck and a warm welcome into the MEET family!



USAID West Bank/Gaza

At MEET we know that not all learning takes place in the classroom. That’s why always includes Outdoor Training Day, where our students have a chance to get outside and work together as a team while taking part in fun outdoor activities that are both physically and mentally challenging.

More than anything, this day is about embodying one of MEET’s most important values: Embracing Teamwork. We know how crucial it is to provide our Palestinian and Israeli students opportunities like this to bond and learn how to work together to solve problems as we prepare them to become the future changemakers and peacebuilders in the region.



USAID West Bank/Gaza

MEET Summer 2024 is here! Over the past few days hundreds of students have arrived in Jerusalem to begin a 4-week intensive summer learning experience.

Our Year Two students arrived first hitting the ground running with a schedule packed with rigorous and classes as well as sessions designed to give them a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our communities.

Next came our Year One students who have just arrived filled with energy and curiosity to begin their .

Finally, our Year Three students will be arriving this week to continue their innovative work developing social impact startups during the Summer Accelerator.

MEET Summer 2024 is part of Education2Action, a groundbreaking peacebuilding program supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Watch this space for more updates soon.



USAID West Bank/Gaza

Overcoming the significant hurdles during the last few months has been an uphill battle, especially for those of us who are working towards a shared future. Nonetheless, resilient and unwavering, we at MEET have continued to come together, working on various collaborative projects. Each project is a testament to the resilience we find when we MEET.

The academic year has begun at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and were were thrilled to hear that Lyel Resner, MEET Academic Advisor, is guest lecturing for one of MEET alum, Jennifer Dakkak's classes. We wish you both a year of stepping out of your comfort zone, and into a world of endless possibilities!

We are thrilled to share the incredible milestone of sheMEET's successful first year! This remarkable journey, exclusively tailored for our MEET Alumnae, has been nothing short of inspiring.

In a brilliant partnership with Meta, we embarked on a 6-month mentorship program that has now concluded, leaving a legacy of empowerment and personal growth. This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of our partners at Meta.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Adi, Naama, Atalya, Mor, and Daniel from Meta for believing in the power of mentorship and supporting us in making sheMEET a reality. Your commitment to our community is truly remarkable.

To our incredible mentors, your guidance and wisdom have ignited the flames of ambition in our mentees. You've helped shape their futures, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

And to our inspiring mentees, CONGRATULATIONS! Your hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of growth are truly commendable. You are the leaders of tomorrow, innovators, and changemakers we look up to.

HAPPY ROSH HASHANA from all of us at MEET!

As the warm sun starts to sets on another unforgettable , we can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who made this journey a remarkable success!
To our extraordinary students: You are the heart and soul of , and your passion for learning and determination to excel inspire us every day. We are immensely proud of your achievements and growth throughout this summer program!

To our dedicated staff, instructors, mentors, and TAs: Your unwavering commitment to guiding and nurturing our students' potential is what makes MEET summer so exceptional. Your support and expertise have ignited a flame of curiosity and ambition in our students, and we are truly grateful for your hard work and dedication!

🎓🌟 Celebrating the triumph of the MEET Class of 2023! 🌟🎓

Last night, we had the honor of witnessing a truly momentous occasion - the graduation of 91 incredible Year 3 students who are now officially part of our esteemed Alumni Network! Let's take a moment to congratulate them for their remarkable achievements! 🎉🌟

To the Year 3 team, and the countless coordinators, instructors, mentors, and TAs, thank you for your unwavering dedication and support in nurturing these bright minds throughout their journey at MEET. Your passion and guidance have undoubtedly shaped the leaders of tomorrow!

We're also immensely thankful of our wider MEET community, whose collective efforts have made this transformational experience possible for these graduates. Together, we've built a bridge of understanding and friendship that transcends borders and unites us as one.

A special shout-out to Anat, one of the MEET founders and board members, for delivering an inspiring speech that touched hearts and inspired minds. Your vision and leadership have been the driving force behind MEET's success, and we're grateful for the impact you've made!

Last night was particularly special as our auditorium was filled with both Palestinians and Israelis - a true bi-national celebration of unity, diversity, and friendship! Together, we break down barriers and show the world what's possible when we stand as one.

A heartfelt thanks to B8 Of Hope, especially Mehra Beit, for generously sponsoring this unforgettable event. Your support has made a significant difference, allowing us to empower these young minds and foster positive change in our communities.

As these graduates embark on new journeys, we know they carry with them the spirit of MEET - a spirit of empathy, innovation, and understanding. We can't wait to witness the positive impact they will create in the world!

Give it up for the ! 🥳

Hey MEET community. We're absolutely thrilled to share the incredible success of our Year 3 Demo Day! 🚀🎉

All nine of our Year 3 startups put their hearts and minds into presenting their innovative solutions to social issues to a panel of judges, making it an unforgettable event!

📢👏 A huge congratulations to the winners: Spectra, Acteen, and Swift Aid! 🥇🥈🥉 Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off! We are proud to witness your passion in action and your commitment to creating a positive impact on society. 🌟💡

A special shout-out and heartfelt thanks to AppsFlyer 💚💙 for being such gracious hosts for this remarkable event! We are immensely grateful to Noam and the entire AppsFlyer team for their support and encouragement. You played a significant role in making Demo Day a resounding success.

To all our young innovators and changemakers, remember that the journey doesn't end here. Your ideas have the potential to shape a better future for us all. Keep dreaming big, challenging norms, and driving positive change!

🌟🚀🙏

🌱 Celebrating a Year 2 Adventure for a Greener Tomorrow! 🌱

Last week we had an incredible experience during our Year 2 trip to Hiriya! Our students embarked on an eye-opening journey of discovery, exploring the technology behind cutting-edge, environmentally friendly, waste management ♻️ through a series of interactive and fun activities!

Hiriya is becoming a place of innovation and sustainability. The students got to witness firsthand how waste is transformed into valuable resources, paving the way towards a greener and cleaner future for our beautiful planet.

Our young learners actively engaged in various educational workshops, getting hands-on with recycling processes and learning about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling in their daily lives. They came away with a deeper understanding of their role in protecting the environment and the impact of their actions on the world around them.

Let's continue our journey towards a greener future and keep spreading awareness about the importance of environmental preservation! 🌿

🎭🌟 Celebrating a Spectacular Showcase of Talent at Talent Show! 🌟🎶

Last night was an evening filled with awe-inspiring performances and heartwarming camaraderie as all three cohorts came together to celebrate each other's incredible talents at the !

It was a joyous occasion, witnessing our students shine on the stage and witnessing the support and encouragement they offered to one another. This is what makes our so special - the spirit of collaboration, respect, and celebration of diversity.

🌟🚀 Celebrating an incredible night of and ! 🌍💡

Our was a true testament to the power of tech-innovation as a shared language for social change! Our Year 3 students showcased their Israeli-Palestinian social impact startups, and we couldn't be prouder of their remarkable achievements! 🌟

Throughout their three-year journey, our students have immersed themselves in the world of , , and critical thinking alongside their , honing their skills and developing their passions 💻🚀

We are immensely grateful to AppsFlyer for generously hosting us and providing the perfect platform for our students to shine! Special thanks to Lisa, Liron, and Noam for their invaluable hospitality and dedication to our

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the professional guests who attended and shared their wisdom with our students. Your feedback and insights will undoubtedly propel these startups ahead of our

At MEET, we believe in nurturing young minds to become drivers of positive change, and this event was a shining example of the potential that lies within each one of our students. Together, let's continue making a difference and creating a more connected and harmonious world 🌍

🎉🌟 Welcome Class of 2025 to the ! 🌟🎉 We are thrilled to have you join us for an incredible journey at MEET, and what an inspiring first week we are having!

From the exciting Sports Day to the start of your and journey, you have already shown immense potential and enthusiasm 🚀💡 It's amazing to see how quickly you've bonded and become an integral part of our community.

Here at MEET, we believe in nurturing not just your skills but also your passion and drive. And we can already see the sparks of creativity and innovation in each one of you.

So, as you embark on this transformative adventure, remember to cherish every moment, forge lasting friendships, and embrace the challenges with determination and an open mind.

Together, let's make this unforgettable and lay the foundation for a bright and impactful future.

PRODUCT LAUNCH

Our Year 3 startups have launched their minimal viable products!

Last night each set up a booth, and invited our Year 2 students to join them for this exciting occasion. After lots of test runs, chats with the teams, and startup appropriate activities, the Year 2's provided valuable feedback, before leaving the Year3's to enjoy their 🥳

Our Year 3 students have been testing their minimal viable products (MVPs) on potential customers and users, who have given the startups feedback, which is currently being used to further develop their products before their MVP launch this evening 🥳

Make sure to register for our Expo Night on the 25th July to get a chance to see their solutions to social issues. RSVP: https://expo2023.splashthat.com/

The MEET class of 2025 have joined the 🎊

To help ease their transition into our intensive program we start their with a virtual week. The cohort have already started bonding while learning and developing together, but we won't lie, we are all very excited to MEET them in person next week!

The Year 2 students have just started their , and we are so glad to be reunited!

We find in our students, who despite all odds, continue to overcome challenges regardless of their differences.

MEET isn't just about and !

One of our key values is to embrace , which we exercise in numerous ways, and this week that teamwork was truly embraced during our outdoor training day.

Through various activities our Year 3 students proved once again that problem solving is best tackled .

Thanks to the Lemonade community, we will be receiving $4,632 in the Lemonade Giveback 2023! This will go towards bringing together Israeli and Palestinian leaders of tomorrow, and provide them with the tools to build a shared future

Yesterday, we held our first official MEET Summer event of the year, Professional Day, generously hosted by Meta! It provided an incredible opportunity for our talented Year 3 students to collaborate in bi-national groups and develop their nine unique social impact startups, all with the aim of improving the lives of diverse communities in our region.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our dedicated mentors. These individuals generously shared their extensive professional experience, guiding our students on their journey and equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to address pressing challenges in our region. A special thank you goes to our inspirational panel of speakers, Guy Fletcher, Nazih Ahmed, and Khouloud Ayuti, for sharing their journey as founders and the challenges they overcame.

We would also like to express our immense gratitude to Meta, and in particular, Yarden Ganzi, for having us. It is always a pleasure to collaborate with you, and we truly appreciate your continued in fostering , , and .

again to all who contributed to making this event a tremendous success. Together, we are empowering the next generation of leaders to create meaningful social impact and drive positive change in our communities.

Considering the current climate of our region, we at MEET find hope in the coming together of our year 3 students who today were reunited with each other.

As we kick off our summer program in Jerusalem we are reminded of the value of the journey that our students embark on. Today our year 3 students began the final chapter of their MEET student journey. Over the past two years, they have explored various ways to use technology and entrepreneurship to tackle social issues in our region; these students are now using these skills in bi-national start-ups to address issues they are passionate about.

We are excited to see how the summer unfolds as they explore practical solutions to these issues, and could not be prouder of the work they have already achieved.

Watch this space.

A special CONGRATULATIONS to our alumni Leen Hasan, Shai Hazan, Hamed Hriesh, and Zidane Awad Awad for starting their summer META internship where, for 12 weeks, they get to be part of META teams working alongside their mentors, while getting valuable hands-on experience.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Adi Soffer Teeni, Dor Froind, and Atalya Daphna for their remarkable efforts in bringing this extraordinary opportunity to life.

We are thrilled to reveal the deserving recipients of this year's highly coveted Armony Scholarship for Higher Education! With great pleasure, we congratulate the exceptional individuals who have been selected to receive a life-changing sum of $100,000 each - Shir Somech and Dona Khalaily!

We extend our deepest appreciation to all the remarkable applicants who shared their stories and aspirations with us.

A special thank you to Izhar and Noni Armony for making this scholarship fund available to our amazing MEET alumni. Your commitment to MEET, education and supporting our aspiring alumni is truly commendable.

The is made all the brighter by our fantastic Teacher Assistants! Many of our return to to the program by serving as a TA, which not only means that the MEET staff have more time to focus on more detailed aspects of their roles, but also means that our students get the support of recent alumni who have gone through the program.

Before we jump into the , we want to take a moment to thank each and every one of the TAs who enriched MEET this yearlong - THANK YOU!!

CONGRATULATIONS to all Aleph participants from Palestinian Internship Program - PIP, 50:50 Startups, and MEET who have successfully completed the first level of the Lissan - ליסאן - لسان language exchange program!

It was our privilege to host this closing event in our Jerusalem Hub 🥳

A special thanks to Natasha Voloshin for overseeing the program and providing the educational content, and to all teachers Yehudit Mazal, Nasra Dahdal, and Natali maximova. Mohammed Atira and Veronica Morcos - you did a great job organizing this event - thank you!