In this painful time, we stand on the side of humanity. We join calls for an end to the violence, while keeping our eyes set on the larger goal: that all Palestinians and Israelis live in freedom and safety.
During these devastating days, we’ve heard so many heart-wrenching stories from our community on the ground in Israel and Palestine. As far as we know, all our Seeds are still alive, though many have lost family and friends. Some have loved ones being held hostage. Others are texting us from the rubble of their destroyed homes.
They are shaken and suffering, but they are not giving up.
In the face of devastating violence, they are leading search and rescue missions, organizing aid campaigns, providing mental health support, advocating for equality, and assisting with diplomatic efforts. They are mobilizing for the return of hostages to Israel and calling for the protection of civilian life in Gaza. They are bringing their voices to international media.
This is what leaders do during times of darkness. And they need our help.
Help us ensure that Seeds of Peace is ready to meet this moment.
Seeds of Peace programs
Seeds of Peace is organizing multiple virtual and in-person dialogues for alumni.
Please contact info@seedsofpeace.org for details.
Community responses
- The Jerusalem Youth Chorus, founded by American Seed Micah Hendler, held “Voices of Peace in Times of War” on October 22.
- Americans for Peace held a virtual gathering in support Shalom Achshav, led by Israeli Seed Lior Amihai on October 24.
- High school student Theo Baker is selling self-designed tote bags to raise money for Seeds of Peace.
- Steven and Camilla Bridge took part in a 20-mile solidarity and fundraising walk from Saint Joseph’s College to the Seeds of Peace Camp on November 3.
In the media
2015 Palestinian Seed Kamal Al-Mashharawi
One Family’s Perilous Escape From Gaza City | The New Yorker (November 21, 2023).
I Can Help Rebuild Gaza. First I Need to Survive Today. | The New York Times (November 26, 2023).
Articles by 2007 Maine Seed Adam Rasgon
A Father Reckons With The Hostage Taking Of His Family In Southern Israel | The New Yorker (October 8, 2023).
Another Hospital In Gaza Is Bleeding | The New Yorker (October 20, 2023).
2005 Palestinian Seed Yousef Bashir
The Israel-Hamas war has not quashed their compassion, their empathy, their hope | National Public Radio (November 5, 2023).
Palestinian Program Director Antwan Saca
Israeli, Palestinian pro-peace groups cautious, but not cowed | Christian Science Monitor (October 27, 2023).