The Institute for Politics and Economy of Southeast Europe (IPESE) is a proud partner of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, with which it collaborates on numerous important projects reflecting a joint commitment to further fostering peace and progress, especially respecting the historical friendship of the Serbian and Jewish peoples and their two countries.

In the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, which left over 1,200 dead, 3,500 wounded, and more than 230 kidnapped, the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience. Drawing on 27 years of experience, the Center has mobilized its resources to address the immediate humanitarian crisis while steadfastly pursuing its long-term vision of a peaceful and prosperous Middle East.

The Peres Center’s response to the crisis was swift and multifaceted, prioritizing the urgent needs of communities affected by the conflict while continuing to promote peace and solidarity. Among its key initiatives was support for families of hostages, amplified through a global advocacy campaign. The “Mothers of Israel Don’t Sleep at Night” campaign united voices across Israel, highlighting the anguish and courage of families enduring unbearable uncertainty.

,,Our vision of a better future needs not just to be imagined but created together.”

As the war displaced thousands of civilians, the Center provided vital community support. It conducted over 125 workshops for more than 2,000 evacuees, including children and the elderly, at 22 evacuation centers across the country. In Tel Aviv-Yafo, it opened its facilities to displaced students, ensuring they could safely continue their education despite the ongoing conflict.

Economic resilience became another priority for the Center as Israel’s renowned tech ecosystem faced significant disruption. In collaboration with the Israel Innovation Authority, the Peres Center launched the Resilience Innovation Marketplace, a platform connecting nearly 100 struggling startups with over 150 investors and donors. This initiative aimed to stabilize the tech sector while reaffirming Israel’s position as a global leader in innovation.

Cultural and artistic endeavors played a crucial role in fostering healing and unity during these challenging times. The Peres Center hosted powerful exhibitions, including Zeev Engelmayer’s poignant postcards and Ziv Koren’s gripping war photography, during which IPESE organized a delegation of journalists to visit Israel. These exhibitions served as a testament to the collective grief, resilience, and hope of the Israeli people.

Even amid the turmoil, the Peres Center remained committed to its mission of building bridges between diverse communities. Over 1,000 Jewish and Arab children participated in peace education activities, while Palestinian doctors received advanced training in Israel. The Center also provided life-saving medical care to Palestinian children, emphasizing the importance of shared humanity. Regional collaboration extended beyond borders, with young innovators from the region coming together to exchange ideas and build solutions for the future.

Chemi Peres, Chairman of the Board, encapsulated the spirit of the Center’s efforts: “Shining a light in the darkness, our vision of a better future needs not just to be imagined but created together.” This sentiment reflects the enduring legacy of Shimon Peres, whose belief in peace and innovation continues to guide the Center’s work.

As Israel navigates the challenges of recovery and rebuilding, the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation remains a steadfast symbol of hope and progress. By addressing immediate needs while fostering a vision for a brighter future, it continues to pave the way for unity and peace in the region, strengthened by the contributions of its partners and supporters.