People and Organizations Creating Paths to Peace

History of Groups Working Towards Peace Movement for Peace and Security ( ) Goal was to change public opinion about the occupation. Peace Now (Shalom Achshav in Hebrew) (1978) born out of a letter signed by 348 Israeli Defense Forces reserve officers that questioned Israeli government’s policy of expanding Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories and its commitment to peace. Committee in Solidarity with Birzeit University: helped organize several demonstrations in the Occupied Territories against Israeli closure of the university in 1981 and : 58 High School Students write letter to Golda Meir questioning Israeli government’s commitment to peace First Intifada (1987): Dai Lakibush and Twenty-First Year built working relationships with Palestinian communities within Israel and the Occupied Territories. 1988: Rabbis for Human Rights founded

History of Groups Working Towards Peace Women in Black and Women in Peace: Organize to protest the occupation of Jerusalem and other cities. Alternative Information Center – developed in 1984 as a joint Palestinian-Israeli organization that combines political activism and the spread of information, research and political analysis on the conflict through various materials – one being their magazine News from Within. B’Tselem – Founded in 1989 to monitor Israeli human rights abuses committed while suppressing the Intifada Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) Israeli Soldier Refusal Movement (Courage to Refuse) – refuse to serve and commitment unethical acts in Occupied Territories – has grown to over 1,200 soldiers in the last few years. Bat Shalom – October 2002 – led creation of a new coalition under the banner “The Evil Fence: Palestinian Ghetto and Israeli Disaster.”

Soccer for Peace Soccer for Peace (SFP) is a camp for Arab and Jewish children in Israel. Since 2005, Soccer for Peace has brought Arab and Jewish children together in Israel through overnight soccer camps. Model offers children the rare opportunity to meet on a regular basis, on equal footing, to find a common language through activities they all enjoy. Dialogue, social and educational activities challenge participants to learn about, understand and respect the differences that exist among themselves. Hope is that by planting the seeds of respect, tolerance, and peace within children, it will be nurtured throughout their lifetime. Camp is 5-day overnight camp for 10 and 11 year old kids – train together on integrated soccer teams. In the fall, they join a league and play on the team. Each summer the participant returns and participates in the after-school program. Can return to program until they are 17 years old. Activities include swimming, visiting a synagogue and mosque, visit to zoo, and rafting. “I got to meet new friends that I normally would never have met.” “We really learned a lot about how similar we are.”

This organization is a diverse and democratic community of activists inspired by Jewish tradition to work together for peace, social justice, and human rights. They support the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians for security and self- determination Goals of the organization: 1.A U.S. foreign policy based on promoting peace, democracy, human rights, and respect for international law. 2.An end to Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza strip, and East Jerusalem 3.A resolution of the Palestinian refugee problem consistent with international law and equity 4.An end to all violence against civilians 5.Peace among the peoples of the Middle East We are among the many American Jews who say to the U.S. and Israeli governments: “Not in our names!” “Racism and bigotry cannot be tolerated, whether in the U.S. or abroad, whether against Arabs or Jews.”

Crossing Borders Organization based at the International People’s College in Denmark, with branches in Palestine, Israel, and Jordan Main goal of organization is to provide impartial dialogue space and skills training for youth and educators, with special focus on the Middle East. Create a bi-monthly Crossing Borders magazine by and for Arab and Israeli youth.

Seeds of Peace Founded in 1993 Dedicated to empowering young leaders from regions of conflict with the leadership skills required to advance reconciliation and coexistence. Has focused on Israeli and Arab teens but is expanding to include young leaders from South Asia, Cyprus, and the Balkans. Comprehensive Program allows participants to develop empathy, respect, and confidence as well as leadership, communication and negotiation skills – all critical components that will facilitate peaceful coexistence for the next generation. Since 1993, over 3,500 teens from 25 nations have graduated from Seeds of Peace.