Against the backdrop of political assassinations, children on both sides being killed, and the threat of regional escalation, this 8 day program for Israeli and Palestinian youth stands as a light.

We hope you were inspired by the stories from our young participants and from our camp co-directors— Tamar and Mohamed.

We did not record yesterday’s program, in order to protect the identity of the 4 youth who participated. But, we do have powerful moments we want to share with you:

“We are glad to take Palestinian and Israeli children outside for 8 days to talk about what’s going on. All the hard issues. To laugh together, hug each other, to cry. It was amazing to see how children really get connected. It was one of the hardest but one of the best summer camps for the Parents Circle.”
—Tamar, Israeli Camp Director

“Life in the West Bank is difficult. It’s easy to lose hope. I always find hope here. When I talk about what I’m doing, I always quote these kids. We teach and inspire them, but they’re the ones who inspire us and give us hope.”
—Mohamed, Palestinian Camp Director

“I saw an opportunity to make peace with both sides. You’re talking about suffering with others who have also suffered. You see you’re not the only one who suffered like that. It’s a shared pain.”
—Ahmad, Palestinian youth

“I really enjoyed the camp. I don’t know what I expected, but it was better than I expected. To know and meet new people and listen to them and share the pain that we all have in common. I had only met Palestinians once before, Palestinian citizens of Israel.”
—Ori, Israeli youth

“Is the land worth taking all these souls?”
—Aseel, Palestinian youth, on what message she would give to all Israelis and Palestinians

“There were so many hard things, it was overwhelming. But that’s a very important part of this camp. It’s dialogue. That’s what makes us feel empathy for each other and anger too, but then we have a chance to talk about it and understand the other side even if we don’t agree. We still want the same thing in the end of the day.”
—Maya, Israeli youth

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