I am so excited to share that I’m going to be a counselor at the annual Summer Program for bereaved Israeli and Palestinian youth.
I live in Nablus, Palestine where I practice law. This will be my 12th summer at the Youth Peace Camp.
I attended the summer program as a camper, and I’m excited to share the experience with other Palestinians and Israelis as one of the camp managers.
Each year the camp is an uplifting experience. Each year we get to watch and participate in a real change. Every change we take part in is small, but real. An Israeli kid will learn something new about the lives of Palestinians in the West Bank. A Palestinian kid will visit the beach for the first time in their life, together with an Israeli their age.
This year the camp is facing some challenges and is especially important. The turmoil in the region and the most recent violence affected many of the young camp participants personally. Family and friends were harmed in the violence, and many were subjected to anxiety and fearmongering daily. It is impossible not to be affected by these circumstances. We know that many of the participants will come to the camp charged, afraid, angry, and lacking in hope for the future. We will do our very best to help them overcome some of these emotions.
We are grateful to the Parents Circle – Families Forum for making the Summer Program a priority. We know it is a huge undertaking. That is why we ask that you help support this very important program. Please make your matched contribution today!
Sincerely,
Rawand Aqtam
Summer Camp Manager
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