The Al Quds Association for Democracy and Dialogue (AFDD) was established in 2006 with the aim of creating projects and sustainable cooperation with Israelis for mutual understanding and peace. The AFDD operates mainly in Palestinian centres and refugee camps where radicalism and hatred are easily bred. Through its programmes, AFDD aims to transform the participant’s outlook from that of hatred and cynicism to appreciation of peace, dialogue and coexistence.

The AFDD partners closely with the Peres Center for Peace to run the “Twinned Peace Football Schools” programme. Palestinian and Israeli children between 6 and 14 meet separately twice a week for football training and peace education. Once every three weeks, a day of joint activities takes place where the teams are mixed. The young people receive peace education that is focused on conflict resolution, dialogue and understanding of cultural differences, and play a football tournament in their mixed teams.

Harnessing the team sport football towards peace and development, the AFDD enhances the exchange of culture and heritage between Palestinians and Israelis and establishes a culture of dialogue as the only solution to the conflict.