LAHORE | Twenty-five Pakistani Seeds led a three-day interfaith camp for Muslim, Sikh, Christian and, for the first time, Hindu teenagers to promote, mutual understanding, co-operation and trust. The 45 campers took part in daily dialogue sessions during which they explored similarities that exist in the teachings of each religion and the possibility of coexisting peacefully, and addressed stereotypes held against other religions. The December 28-30 camp was held at St. Anthony’s High School in Lahore. Students who attended came … FULL STORY

JERUSALEM | More than 60 Israeli and Palestinian educators attended capacity building workshops on the concepts of nonviolent communication and resiliency. USAID funded the December “Supporting Resiliency in School Communities” series. Tarek Maassarani and Peggy Smith, respected educators and facilitators with deep experience promoting communication and the peaceful transformation of conflict within schools and communities, led the series, which is designed to equip teachers with tools to empower youth. Alumni of Seeds of Peace Educator Programs and educators new to … FULL STORY

LAHORE | A three-day Interfaith Harmony Camp (IFHC) concluded at St. Anthony’s High School on Sunday, with the aim to enabling the young students of different religious backgrounds to develop mutual understanding and trust among each other. The Cultural Affair’s Officer of the US, Lahore Miss Emilia Adams was chief guest of the event. Around 45 students from 15 government, semi-government and private schools of Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Zafarwal and Narowal Belonged to Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Hindu religions participated … FULL STORY

JERUSALEM | Israeli and Palestinian Seeds met separately this week in preparation for joint post-ceasefire gatherings. Though the meetings focused on different topics, both addressed one of the main program themes of Seeds of Peace local programs: understanding core conflict issues within and between societies. Forty Palestinian Seeds came together for a daylong seminar in Ramallah to discuss Palestine’s status upgrade at the United Nations, violence in Gaza and Israel, and the credibility of the news media. “Most of us … FULL STORY

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK | Seeds of Peace and Say Yes To Education brought over 50 Seeds and potential Seeds together to discuss ideas for future initiatives in their community. Sarah Brajtbord, Seeds of Peace Director of American Programs, is excited about the possibilities for Syracuse programs. “All the right pieces are in place,” Brajtbord said. “There’s a real critical mass of Seeds and a desire to create change.” The seminar was a chance for Brajtbord and other Syracuse program leaders … FULL STORY

PORTLAND, MAINE | Maine Seeds and Portland community members opened the Holidays of Holidays event on Decemember 8 at King Middle School. Modeled after the Haifa-based event of the same name, Holidays of Holidays celebrated the diversity of Portland with music, art, and dialogue. Sixty Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Shaman and Jewish Seeds presented on their particular holiday traditions. Among the group were native-born youth, along with Seeds from Somali, Chinese, Ethiopian, Iraqi and Ghanaian refugee and immigrant families. “This was … FULL STORY