Seeds of Peace

Dear Seeds,

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I am writing to you today to share some exciting news: on behalf of the Board of Directors it is my privilege to announce that Leslie Adelson Lewin has been named Executive Director of Seeds of Peace. 

Over the past 18 months, Seeds of Peace performed a comprehensive search that produced many qualified candidates from all over the world. In addition to a deep understanding of our mission, strong managerial skills, and the other qualities we were looking for in our next Executive Director, one of the characteristics Leslie has that set her apart from all the others is a genuine love and an unwavering commitment to each of you.

We are thrilled that she has accepted this role as no one is more appropriate or better qualified to lead Seeds of Peace into the future.

Most of you who knew my late husband, John Wallach, the founder of Seeds of Peace, remember him as a charismatic, vibrant, and inspirational leader.

John saw many of these same qualities in Leslie. 

From 1998 when Leslie joined the Seeds of Peace family as a counselor at Camp, until John's death in 2002, they worked side-by-side in Maine, New York and Washington, D.C., to help Seeds of Peace grow into an international leader in conflict resolution for young people. He guided and mentored her, and was most proud of her love for all of you. 

Since his passing, Leslie's commitment to Seeds of Peace and John's legacy has only grown. As you know, Leslie eventually became the Director of Camp where she developed programming to make the first, crucial step to becoming a Seed—being a camper—as challenging, effective and fun as possible. For Seeds who never knew John but know Seeds of Peace through Leslie's leadership, there is no doubt that her commitment, passion and capabilities to make seemingly impossible things happen is part of how John's spirit lives on today.

There are real challenges ahead—but also great reason for hope and opportunity. Leslie will need all of your encouragement as we embark together on this new and exciting chapter at Seeds of Peace. She will be supported by Tim Wilson, who will serve as Senior International Advisor, as well as the rest of our talented and committed staff based throughout the Middle East, South Asia and the United States.

Empowering all of you to be the leaders and peacemakers of tomorrow was the cause of John's life. I have no doubt that my husband would have enthusiastically chosen Leslie to carry the torch of peace forward and been proud to see her continue his life's work. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I thank you in advance for supporting Leslie as the new Executive Director.

I wish you all the very best.

With warm regards,

Janet Wallach
President Emeritus