Shafik Gabr Foundation

Programs: As gaps in understanding between the middle east and the west open up at many levels, there is a need for significant bridge-building and new platforms for people-to-people communication - perhaps more than at any other time in modern history. As policy makers on both sides of the atlantic struggle to deal with the new realities, it is apparent to most people that mutual understanding and empathy is deteriorating, with alarming long-term implications, and that this needs to be acknowledged and dealt with in an effective and sustainable manner. The corporation will focus on encouraging deeper mutual understanding between the people of the middle east and the west through an annual fellowship targeting emerging leaders representing a multitude of sectors. In addition to supporting educational initiatives, city schools, students, different scholarships, the foundation supports both research and polling think-tanks. The grant recipients will be chosen by an expert panel based on competitive application and the corporation and its partners will work to structure an itinerary that allows them to explore aspects of cultural, social, and professional life with greater depth and intimacy than would be easily achievable without the resources and networks at the disposal of the corporation and its partners. The expectation for the grantees is that they will document their experience in "bridge building" in some form of their choice within three months of their visit. A principal goal would be for the group to commit to specific projects and initiatives that will contribute to mutual understanding and ongoing exchange between the program participants and beyond. The initiative will focus on individuals in their early and mid-careers, initially in exchanges between egypt and the united states, and subsequently shall expand to more countries in the middle east and the west. In addition to assistance in developing an appropriate itinerary, the grantees will be provided with a travel stipend to cover the costs of travel, and as appropriate, materials.