In March, a unique event took place in the region, when fifteen teenagers from the religious settlement of Hoshaya met a group of Arab teenagers from the high school of Ibleen. The uniqueness of the event did not lie in the Arab-Israeli dialogue. Groups of Israeli Jews, mostly associated with left-wing political parties have been meeting Arab-Israeli youth for some time. But very rarely do such meetings take place between religious Jews and their Arab counterparts. The meeting was organized by Professor Daniel Statman, a former participant in the Youth Leadership Program of Partnership 2000. Professor Statman believes that as it is at teenage that many stereotypes are formed and fossilized, it is of paramount importance to try to correct such stereotypes as early as possible.

The meeting had a dramatic effect on the mutual images. The preconceived ideas were dismissed as the youth began to understand the humanity of the other and the many aspects of life that they had in common. The meeting was very successful. The organizers were encouraged by the positive feedback from both groups who will be happy to meet again, next time in the Arab village of Ibleen.

  Nisan 5761 - April 2001