Israeli and Palestinian Seeds meet for the first time since war in Gaza
Since January, Seeds of Peace programs have focused on intensive uni-national programs, where Israeli Seeds were able to talk with other Israeli Seeds about the conflict, and Palestinians did the same.
The event in Netanya was the first time the two sides were brought together to discuss the war in Gaza and southern Israel. It provided Seeds with a significant opportunity to talk together about their experiences of the war, work through their anger and disappointment, and ultimately renew their connections with each other and their commitment to search for understanding.
The dialogue sessions were led by 14 Israeli and Palestinian professional facilitators, all but one of whom were trained by Seeds of Peace through the facilitation program. They were supervised on-site by Facilitation Course instructors Danny Metzl and Farhat Agbariyah. Senior Advisor and Director of Alumni Relations Tim Wilson’s inspirational talk helped to recall to the Seeds the transformational experience they had all gone through at camp and his presence did much to encourage Seeds, staff and volunteers to make the most of the opportunity provided by the seminar.
Interspersed with the dialogue sessions were several rounds of team-building activities, including some spirited and uniquely Seeds of Peace field sports like “Steal the Bacon,” as well as a lively “talent show” of skits and music put on by the Seeds. Another important feature of the event was the presence of several adult Delegation Leaders whose help in conducting events was invaluable. View a short video about the Delegation Leaders program produced by Seed alumni Fatma Elshobokshy.
Middle East programming
The day began with a tour of the city and a trip to the Museum in Taibe. The Seeds then traveled to a Seed’s home, for a presentation and discussion led by Managing Director and Chief Administrator in Israel, Eyal Ronder, a Ministry of Education official, Rauf Daood, and the head of the Taibe Education Department. A delicious dinner was shared after the successful and exhilarating discussion.
On January 11-12, 2009 schools participating in the Model Schools Initiative in Jenin, Bena na’eem (outside of Hebron), Jerusalem and the UNRWA school in Walla Jay (close to Bethlehem) received a visit by Seeds of Peace representatives. The representatives met with principals and teachers at the schools to discuss implementations of techniques, learned at a June workshop in Jenin, current needs and further steps to be taken.
On February 14-16, 2009, the Israel-Middle East Model United Nations simulation was held. Topics discussed at the simulation included Col. Muammar Kaddafi, the African Union, and the human crisis in Somalia.
South Asia programming
Mr. King’s path represents a tribute to ideals of equality and peace projected by his father. These ideals are values key to Seeds of Peace. On February 18, Seeds attended a jazz concert performed by Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan and Dee Dee Bridgewater, along with the support of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. On February 19, the group met with Mr. King for a discussion at the Mani Bhavan (the Gandhi Museum). Mr. King was provided with Seeds of Peace literature and a copy of the Seeds of Peace magazine publication, the Olive Branch.
On February 15, Pakistani Seeds and educators gathered for a Sports Gala. The four hour event consisted of enjoyable badminton, table tennis, basketball and card games. Winners and runners-up of the games received trophies. All of those in attendance received SOP wristbands.
Seeds of Peace partners with the American School in London
The week’s events were led by Director of Global Programming, Paul Mailhot, as well as Facilitation Training program instructors, Danny Metzel and Farhat Agbariyah. 16 Israeli and Palestinian Seeds worked with ASL kindergarten through high school students regarding conflict resolution tactics. Throughout the week, facilitators were involved in approximately 40 classes.
Additionally, the facilitators ran a panel discussion and question and answer session with parents, teachers and students, speaking of issues ranging from the Seeds of Peace organization to living in conflict in the Middle East. A meeting was held with parents in the International Community Committee. The week ended with a tour of the Houses of Parliament and tea with Lady Hameed.
For the week, Seeds were assigned ASL host families and ASL High School student buddies. This provided both Seeds and ASL members with an opportunity to establish a relationship, making the visit more memorable and meaningful. The visit was an overall success, allowing students, Seeds and parents alike the opportunity to share experiences and knowledge about conflict resolution, peace and decision-making.
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