Quality as critique: promoting critical reflection among youth in structured encounter programs

In this manuscript, I interrogate the concept of ‘quality’ encounter programs for youth in conflict zones. I focus on two Israeli organizations implementing encounters for Jewish and Palestinian citizens, and draw upon narratives of former participants as articulated during life history narratives to illustrate divergent emphases in each organization’s goals and implementation strategies. Through my comparison of the organizations and their work, I highlight the importance in encounter programs of providing opportunities not only for legitimizing the collective narrative of the ‘other’ side, but also for critical reflection upon in-group narratives and policies, and suggest that ‘quality’ peace education programs are those that provide these opportunities.