WASHINGTON (JTA) — The U.S. State Department is bringing 30 Israeli and Palestinian youth basketball coaches to the United States to promote understanding.

“This exchange program is part of the U.S. Government’s efforts to assist those who believe people of different nationalities, ethnicities, and creeds can live alongside one another constructively and peacefully,” the department said in an Oct. 7 statement.

The Oct. 5-19 program in New York, Washington D.C. and Stamford, Conn., will emphasize “conflict resolution, sports management, and leadership,” the statement said.

The tour culminates a two-year program and participants will be expected to continue to participate in follow-up upon their return.