Job: Programs Editor | Lev Films and CinemasIn what ways has your experience at Seeds of Peace impacted you as a person?
The most important effect of Seeds Of Peace over my life is the chance to "open up"—meet with various people of different cultures, who I would not have met otherwise, experience other cultures, lines of thought and customs, and, more importantly, learn to respect the other and his or her culture and background. I have the pleasure of considering some Seeds close friends, and through our acquaintance, I could become a better, more enriched and more open person.
This of course has a crucial effect on my career choices and on the person I am today, nearing the age of 30. My command of languages and interest in cultures and journalism, as well as in ways to convey the richness of local cultures and customs, led me to my various positions in the film and television industry, where I focus on foreign films and bring them to an Israeli audience.
How does your work or education relate to building a more peaceful world?
My bachelor's degree is in the two fields that are most related to the conflict: Middle East History and Mass Communications (which serves in manipulating the way we perceive of our regions history and current events). The choice to pursue these was a direct result of the Seeds Experience, after which I never wanted to consider any other degree.
My current Master's studies in Business Administration is also related, as I have learned one important lesson from my friends in the region: to bring change to the masses, a change must be financial; economies must develop and people must see the economic benefits that lay in peace, as opposed to the insecurity of investments and earning a livelihood during wartime. To change history, I realize that we must change economic perceptions. It is because of this that I chose this field of studies for my continued studies.
[Photos- Top: Liav at Camp in 1994 with John Wallach; Bottom: Liav at her wedding on September 10, 2009 along with Eyal Ronder - Director of Israeli Programs and Noemi - Israeli Seeds Graduate from 1995]