JERUSALEM | In the wake of the horrific bloodshed in and around Gaza and recent clashes in Jerusalem and the West Bank, 53 Israeli and Palestinian Seeds spent three days in late November examining their individual emotional reactions to the violence.
The “I for an Eye” seminar provided participants with an avenue to better understand conflict and the forces that perpetuate violence, hate, and injustice—from occupation and religion to media and politics.
“We created a safe space to address and process the emotional impact this summer had on all of us, and to better comprehend our own strengths, weaknesses and mechanisms we develop to cope with the aftermath, both individually and collectively,” said one organizer.
In a powerful moment, the participants came together to support a fellow Seed whose friend had been shot and killed near his refugee camp, and then held a moment of silence for all of the innocent Palestinian and Israeli lives lost this year.
“This seminar was one which helped validate my Seeds experience,” said the Seed. “I learned about new things, but more importantly, I felt the support of my Seeds family which helped me to overcome one of the worst times I have ever had.”
“In this, I realized the importance of listening, understanding and respecting others before we talk and judge them.”
The seminar took place from November 20-22 near Jerusalem at the only intentional Arab-Jewish community in Israel.
In addition to workshops on media, the construction of narrative, and self-expression, the Seeds engaged in facilitated dialogue sessions—their first since the summer.