Crossing Border Peace Education HWPL: We are one in peace, Israel!

 

In the midst of the rapidly changing dynamics in the Middle East, students have begun to advocate for peace. In May, amidst the conflicts and wars facing Middle Eastern nations, future leaders came together to learn about and contemplate peace.

 

 

Under the theme of “Crossing Border Peace Education HWPL: We are one in peace,” HWPL’s Global 02 Branch gathered approximately 70 Jewish and Arab students in Israel’s Haifa region at the Leo Baeck Education Center for a Peace Camp. The camp, which commenced with a welcoming performance, featured peace classes including “Listening and Picket Making” and a “Peace Drum Concert.”

 

 

During the Listening and Picket Making session, Jewish and Arab students formed groups to discuss peace. Despite linguistic challenges using Hebrew and Arabic, the children demonstrated effective listening and communication.

Throughout these sessions, students shared their diverse perspectives on peace, drawing from their different cultural backgrounds and life experiences. Later, they gathered in groups to create pickets, envisioning a peaceful future through various means of communication.

 

 

The “Peace Drum Concert” served as a harmonious venue, showcasing unity rather than division and conflict between the two peoples. This musical event fostered emotional expression and communication beyond national and ethnic boundaries, promoting unity among all. The concert was publicly accessible to parents and was live-streamed on social media, providing a significant opportunity to showcase the unity of students under the banner of peace.

Mr. Michael Chacour, Executive Director of Mar Elias Educational Institutions, remarked, “Seeing the students enjoying themselves allowed us to momentarily forget that there is war in this region. Through this event, we were able to build a bridge of connection between Jewish and Arab peoples. It was deeply meaningful to present such a positive event demonstrating integration to students and parents.” He then expressed a wish for HWPL to continue facilitating peace between Israel and Palestine.