Seeds of Peace

While in Maine, campers discuss the challenges they will face when they return home—military service, economic turmoil, bombings, checkpoints and other restrictions on movement, daily violence—the list goes on. Even with such significant obstacles in mind, these young leaders pledge to reach out to their communities and share their hope for sustainable peace. Though Seeds of Peace believes that young people can be successful in this endeavor, we also understand that they need support.

No matter how courageous, children always benefit by being able to look to their parents for understanding, respect, and support. Seeds of Peace helps parents fulfill this important role through a leadership and coexistence program specifically designed for them. By empowering parents to participate in coexistence experiences, workshops, and trainings, Seeds of Peace is building another network of support for its graduates. Moreover, by reaching an older generation through their children, Seed of Peace is positively impacting another sector of society in a uniquely personal, innovative, and youth-oriented fashion.

History
In 2003, Farhat Agbariyah, Seeds of Peace regional staff member since 1994, began thinking about the circles of support Seeds participants rely on once they return home, the most immediate being family, followed closely by peer groups and educators. When discussing strategies for how to help parents best help their children process and understand their experiences, it became clear to Farhat and his team that the most powerful would be to engage the parents directly–bringing parents together within their communities and offering opportunities to meet with parents from the “other side” through a variety of workshops and events.

What started out as a pilot project bringing together three families quickly grew to six different groups combining to equal 120 parents. These groups involved Muslim Israeli and Palestinian parents from Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem, Jewish Israelis from Haifa and Tel-Aviv, and Druze and Christian Israelis from West Galilee. The projects were diverse, the levels of engagement were high, and the momentum was building. Unfortunately, due to a series of budget setbacks in 2006, the program had to be cut back significantly. Today, two groups of parents continue to meet regularly. Last year, in addition to their monthly local events, the parent groups from both sides of the conflict all came together for workshops and events in Haifa and in Jordan.