Jewish-Palestinian Peacemakers Camp a Success!
Libby and Len Traubman sent us word of their latest achievement in peaceful dialogue – gathering together Jews and Palestinians for dialogue at Oseh Shalom — Sanea al-Salam Family Peacemakers Camp near Yosemite National Park, in California’s Sierra-Nevada Mountains. 255 Palestinians and Jews of all ages — Muslims, Christians and Jews — lived together for four days in the California mountains September 1-4, 2006. They report,
“It was not all easy. There were moments of struggle and doubt. Yet, in a world where the quality of listening is poor, here the stories of diverse youth and adults were heard well. These Arabs and Jews realized more than ever that “an enemy is one whose story we have not heard.” And good food, nature, music, hookahs and art in a safe place with supportive friends help a lot, too.”
To read more about this amazing dialogue, check out the following news stories: Annual gathering aims to promote understanding (www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/15436922.htm); Jews, Arabs break down barriers at Tawonga retreat (www.jewishsf.com/content/2-0-/module/displaystory/story_id/30235/format/html/displaystory.html) and Breaking down walls at a peace conference made me more human (www.jewishsf.com/content/2-0-/module/displaystory/story_id/30257/format/html/displaystory.html).
