Israel AND Palestine
It was in Jerusalem when the idea for THE BRIDGE was born.
It’s interesting that Jerusalem is the spiritual home for three major religions Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Yet Jerusalem, Israel, and Palestine, is a warzone where hatred and mistrust prevails.
Supporting Peace initiatives
For over 15 years THE BRIDGE Founder Stephen Byrne has supported Dr. Enrico Molinaro the Founder of Mediterranean Perspectives, a not-for- profit organization focused on Middle East peacebuilding.
Dr. Molinaro is a preeminent scholar-practitioner in Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding, with three decades of experience bridging academic research, Track II diplomacy, and grassroots activism. Holding a Ph.D. in International Law and International Relations from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem — published in his book titled The Holy Places of Jerusalem in Middle East Peace Agreements (Sussex Academic Press, 2009) — his expertise centers on collective identity disputes, inter-religious diplomacy, and Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and geopolitics. Dr. Molinaro’s seminal research on Jerusalem’s Holy Places has provided foundational legal-historical frameworks for resolving conflicts over sacred spaces, earning recognition as a critical resource in Track II negotiations and EU policy discourse.
Enrico is currently based in Jerusalem. THE BRIDGE support for Enrico and for Mediterranean Perspectives is continuing though 2025 with workshops and projects being developed that can connect the local communities on their path to peace.
Connecting Israeli and Palestinian artists
Over three years and during Covid Shoshi Israeli and the team brought together Israeli and Palestinian musicians, (which can be very dangerous for the individuals) oversaw online workshops, and introduced them to composers, songwriters, musicians from all over the world. Together they have created over 300 pieces of original music/songs.
Such was the comradery amongst the team that the Israeli artists organized a small concert, which was live streamed, as a fundraiser for some of their Palestinian colleagues who were suffering during the Covid lockdown
Back then we decided to focus our energy into music led projects that we could control. One night in 2017 and inspired by the beauty of the city and people (despite our frustration with local peace initiatives) we decided to develop an ambitious pro-peace music led live stage experience that could inspire change.
For us to succeed in our high-bar goal It will have to be epic! That goal remains our focus.
