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With Earth and Each Other

by embracing peace Friday, Nov. 05, 2010 at 10:10 AM

Supporting peaceful co-existence in the Middle East

Across the Middle East, despite great cultural, religious, and political divides, individuals and organizations are coming together to find common ground and friendship on platforms ranging from the environment to music to soccer and so much more. Join with friends in your community and like-minded people around the world for a once-in-a-lifetime gathering to support and celebrate the many cooperative and cross-border efforts between individuals at the grassroots level with the hopes of building a new, sustainable, and better Middle East

An hour-long internet-based group-watching experience hosted by Emmy and Tony Award Winner Mandy Patinkin, With Earth and Each Other will feature celebrities, special musical performances including the legendary Pete Seeger, and segments highlighting many of the wonderful and moving examples of Middle East cooperation.

With Earth and Each Other will demonstrate that there is more to the Middle East than conflict.

This is not a political rally. The purpose is not to take a side, say who is right or wrong, or suggest what the peace process or the solution should look like. Instead, the purpose is to raise the voices of those on all sides, and throughout the world that yearn for peace, to marginalize those who try to undermine it, and to show the world that there is another side of the conflict in which people across borders are striving to work together for the betterment of all.

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Sponsors of With earth and each other

by embracing peace Friday, Nov. 05, 2010 at 10:24 AM

Member OrganizationsThe Abraham Fund Initiatives serves as both a private funder of coexistence and reconciliation programs, as well as a direct provider of programs aimed at strengthening coexistence, equality, and cooperation among Israel’s Arab and Jewish citizens. (www.abrahamfund.org)

The Adam Institute for Democracy & Peace creates and runs educational programs to promote tolerance and respect, teach conflict resolution skills and strengthen democratic principles in Israel and the region. The Institute reaches out to Jews (religious and secular), Arabs, school children of all ages, teachers, new immigrants, veteran Israelis, women’s groups and community activists. Cross-border programs include dialogue seminars for Palestinian and Israeli educators, journalists and young leaders. (www.adaminstitute.org.il)

A New Way brings together Arabs and Jews in Israel through joint activities for schoolchildren involving music, art, drama, science, and environmental studies. By teaching the children, and as a result their teachers, parents, and communities, about each other’s cultures, A New Way reduces prejudice and stereotypes while promoting mutual respect, trust, and enrichment. (www.anewway.org.il)

The Arab-Jewish Community Center, established in 1993, fosters better understanding, tolerance, and democratic values among Jewish, Christian, and Muslim populations in Jaffa while preserving ethnic, religious and national identities. The Center provides the community with a wide variety of programs, ranging from social welfare and assistance to families in need, to educational programs, empowerment initiatives, multi-cultural events and celebrations.

At the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, Jewish and Arab university and graduate students cross political boundaries to conduct joint research on environmental and natural resource matters. Living and studying together, they also explore and learn about their respective cultures, building peace and a sustainable environment. (www.arava.org)

AREEN/Future Vision is a Palestinian NGO founded in mid-2005. The organization’s vision is to strengthen the role and participation of Palestinian youth in building a Palestinian democratic civil society, with institutions and a legal system which will offer social justice within society especially for women, youth and children. Our vision, message, and programs are geared towards improving the terms and conditions of life and increasingly involve working with Israelis and Jews. (www.3areen.org)

Artsbridge, Inc.: Making a Difference Through Artutilizes collaborative art making and reflective dialogue to build lasting relationships between youth caught on either side of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We provide a safe environment, which cultivates creativity, voice, respectful listening and dialogue, empowering today’s youth to become leaders in the quest for peace in and between their own communities. (www.artsbridgecamp.org)

Beyond Words works to empower women, heal emotional wounds and traumas, and undermine prejudice relating to the Israeli-Palestinian and Arab-Israeli conflicts. The organization runs workshops, training sessions, and courses for Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze, Arab and Israeli women educators, professionals and leaders using an innovative multi-disciplinary educational model. The sessions touch participants on physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual levels all at once. (www.beyondwords.org.il)

CARE aims at promoting dialogue, democracy accepting the other, recognizing the right of the other to live secure, promoting Human Rights and non-violent conflict resolution. CARE also initiates and engages in Palestinian Israeli Joint educational projects. (www.care-palestine.com)

The Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation is a Palestinian NGO committed to an alternative approach to conflict transformation. We cherish the values of peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, respect and hope. It is our mission to contribute to a prospering, non-violent Palestine by empowering marginalized groups to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. CCRR seeks to strengthen democracy, human rights and justice as they are essential to a lasting peace. (www.ccrr-pal.org.)

The Center for Democracy and Community Development is a Palestinian organization focused on: disseminating the concepts and experiences of community-based participatory democracy; promoting the practices and theories of just peace in the Palestinian community, North Africa, and the countries of West Asia; encouraging the participation of marginalized groups in the decision-making process; working with children, youth, women, and community groups to improve society; developing exchange programs, research projects, and policy initiatives for the purpose of community-building, training, empowerment, and rehabilitation; and coordinating with all local, regional and global institutions that conduct related work. The Center objectives include working with youth, community groups, and women in community building, as well as civil peace and non-violence.

The Center for Religious Tolerance promotes peace and social justice through dialogue among the world's religions and through spiritually-based interfaith activities. CRT sponsors a variety of interfaith peace building activities in the U.S., Israel, and Palestine, with a particular emphasis on the role of women of faith in building conditions for sustainable peace. We develop and evaluate peace building models, connect local and global peacemakers, and provide financial, administrative and technical support to individuals doing grassroots peace work. (www.c-r-t.org)

The Centre for Humanistic Education (CHE) at the Ghetto Fighters’ House (GFM): The CHE engages high-school students and teachers from the Arab and Jewish sectors in an examination of connections between the Holocaust, personal and social morals, and implications for present Israeli society. The CHE educational process progresses from an in-depth study of the universal implications of the Holocaust to an intensive multi-cultural Jewish-Arab humanistic-democratic dialogue. Programs include Holocaust education,a moral education, citizenship education, and peace-education through intergroup dialogue. (www.gfh.org.il)

Circle of Health International empowers women’s health care providers in crisis settings. COHI partners with small, grassroots women’s organizations to provide technical assistance and clinical skills, and enhance organizational capacity. Its women’s health project brings together midwives from both sides of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict to share their commitment to their profession and to peace. Among other activities, they conduct shared training and advocate for their profession. (www.cohintl.org)

Citizen’s Accord Forum was established to build a just, equal and stable relationship among Israel’s Jewish and Arab citizens. Supporting citizen activists and government leaders, CAF bridges the gaps between these communities and strives to improve the status of Israel’s Arab citizens through advocacy, education, local & community development, media and networking. (www.caf.org.il)

The Compassionate Listening Project teaches conflict resolution and reconciliation skills for resolving conflict at all levels – from personal to global. The Project has ushered nearly 500 American citizens and leaders to Israel and Palestine to listen to the grievances, hopes and dreams of people on all sides of the conflict, and brings them together for trainings and events to rehumanize the other. Certification training for Israeli and Palestinian facilitators will be offered in 2006. (www.compassionatelistening.org)

Creativity for Peace nurtures the next generation of female leaders and peacemakers in Israel and Palestine. Since 2003, it has hosted 146 young women of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and other faiths from Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza at its summer peace camp in New Mexico. The camp focuses on reconciliation through dialogue and artmaking. Through an intensive three weeks together, the girls translate pain and anger into compassion and friendship and continue their relationships through gatherings in the Middle East. Through Creativity for Peace’s young leader program, graduates of the summer camps gain skills to tackle prejudice, boost self-empowerment, heal from the trauma of living in war, and lead groups. (www.creativityforpeace.com)

EcoPeace—Friends of the Earth Middle East is at the forefront of the environmental peacemaking movement. As a regional organization that brings together Jordanian, Palestinian, and Israeli environmentalists, its primary objective is the promotion of cooperative efforts to protect the region's shared environmental heritage. In so doing, it seeks to advance both sustainable regional development and the creation of necessary conditions for lasting peace. FoEME has offices in Amman, Bethlehem, and Tel-Aviv and is a member of Friends of the Earth International, the largest grassroots environmental organization in the world. (www.foeme.org)

The Foundation for Applied Research, dedicated to Middle East peace and Development for over 10 years, has actively pursued peace, security, economic well-being and justice for both the Palestinians and Israelis. FAR works with and promotes Palestinian-run businesses at home and abroad and introduces economic initiatives into Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, bringing employment where it is greatly needed. (www.foundationforappliedresearch.org)

Friendship Village is an International Center for educating young people to live in a multi-cultural environment and conducting joint Israeli-Palestinian projects. Its workshops and seminars for educate young Jews and Arabs on inter-cultural understanding, respectful coexistence, and inter-cultural and inter – faith cooperation based on real equality, tolerance, democracy and peace. Since 1998, it has provided international summer training programs for young Jewish and Arab women, schoolteachers, and political leaders. Another program high school graduates to volunteer in a mixed Jewish-Arab neighborhood. (www.friendshipvillage.org.il)

At Givat Haviva Educational Foundation, each year over 50,000 people from Israel and abroad participate in courses, conferences, and projects addressing coexistence and reconciliation. These programs educate Jews and Arabs about each other’s cultures, creating dialogue among students and teachers. (www.givathaviva.org)

Hamline University/Colleges for Reconciliation and Development’s fully accredited, college-level professional programs promote peace and coexistence among the Palestinian, Israeli, Jordanian and neighboring communities in the Middle East which they serve. MECRD’s courses promote both economic and social infrastructure, as well as democracy and peace. (www.mecrd.org)

Hand in Hand is a growing network of bilingual and multicultural accredited public schools for Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel, educating the next generation, from kindergarten through high school, who will create a more democratic, secure, and peaceful future. Its far-reaching impact extends to government leadership, communities, and educators across the country. Its award-winning schools in Jerusalem, the Galilee, and Wadi Ara focus on academic excellence, and its pioneering curriculum fosters mutual understanding as well as pride in one’s heritage. (www.handinhandk12.org)

Hapoel Tel Aviv's Education and Social Project (Mifalot) is the largest and most diverse sport for development organization in the Middle East, with over 300 programs serving 20,000 children and youth in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Mifalot harnesses the power of sport for educational enrichment and values education, to teach life skills to children with special needs, promote the integration and inclusion of newly arrived immigrants, create bonds of friendship between Israelis and Palestinians, and provide much needed assistance to children living in at-risk and disadvantaged environments. The programs build a sense of belonging and self-esteem for Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Bedouin and Druze children, who learn about and host each other and play on mixed sports teams - playing together not against each other. (www.mifalot.co.il/english) Check out the Mifalot blog at http://mifalot.wordpress.com!

Through Healing Across the Divide, American medical professionals bring together and assist their Israeli and Palestinian counterparts in creating bridge-building programs that improve the health of both Israelis and Palestinians. (www.healingdivides.org)

Heartbeat Jerusalem uses music’s power to build trust between Israeli and Palestinian youth. Under a Fulbright-MTVu grant, Heartbeat first convened a group of outstanding teenage musicians for a weekly musical-dialogue. By listening, playing and writing music together, the students learn about each other’s communities, histories, political views, identities, and hopes and develop tools for self-expression and social change. Heartbeat is working to include many more musicians, open a music studio in Jerusalem, and organize a series of community-wide events for Israelis and Palestinians to share music, build understanding and increase mutual trust. (www.heartbeatjerusalem.org)

The Interfaith Encounter Association promotes peace in the Middle East through interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural study – making religion part of the solution to conflicts in the region and beyond. (www.interfaith-encounter.org)

The International Center for Conciliation helps divided communities unfold their painful past and construct a shared future that is peaceful, productive, and prosperous. ICfC’s methodology addresses the uneasy heritage of conflict through training, mediation, and participatory community development. We have implemented change and train people in historical conciliation in Israel, Cambodia, India, Japan and Korea, Western Europe, and the United States. (www.centerforconciliation.org)

The International Center for Contemporary Education is an American NGO dedicated to promoting responsible citizenship and democratic values. It works in partnership with Middle East governments, ministries of education, schools and community leaders to develop youth, who respect diversity, embrace social responsibility, and who are skilled in conflict resolution, critical thinking and dialogue. ICCE programs include teacher training courses and youth programs for Palestinians and Israelis. (www.icceducation.org)

Interns for Peace has trained 250 Jewish and Arab community peace workers, who have in turn engaged 125,000 Jews and Arabs in business, athletic, cultural, educational, women’s, and community development projects. Intern graduates and activity participants become lifetime advocates of coexistence. (www.mpdn.org/interns.htm)

The Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel is an umbrella organization for institutions and individuals in Israel fostering inter-religious and intercultural understanding. Through ICCI, over 70 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim organizations promote peaceful relations between people in Israel and in the Middle East. (www.icci.co.il)

Through Ishmael & Isaac, American Palestinians and American Jews join together to raise funds and community awareness for the benefit of both Palestinians and Israelis in the Middle East who are impacted by the ongoing conflict, providing support for humanitarian projects in the region, such as university programs and medical relief projects. (www.ishmaelandisaac.org)

The Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI), founded in Jerusalem in 1988, is the only joint Israeli-Palestinian public policy think-tank in the world. Devoted to developing practical solutions for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, IPCRI promotes dialogue at various levels between the Israeli and Palestinian civil societies, including through active information activities and joint Israeli-Palestinian forums. (www.ipcri.org)

The Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization capitalizes on the universal nature of science to promote dialogue, openness, and mutual respect. It does so by funding high quality proposals submitted jointly by Israeli and Palestinian scientists and scholars who want to work together in the region. Projects are generally for three years and cost about 0,000 per year. IPSO has received more than 100 proposals over the last three years. It has funded 10 projects to date and is now seeking the additional financial support for more than a dozen additional very worthy, peer reviewed projects. (www.ipso-jerusalem.org / www.fipsousa.org)

The Jerusalem Center for Inter-Religious Cooperation/Mosaica Center’s mission is to translate the principles of the Alexandria Declaration of the Religious Leaders of the Holy Land – a groundbreaking document signed by Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious leaders – into concrete action to impact the lives of people of all religions in the Middle East. Activities include bringing together national-religious Jewish and Muslim educators; training facilitators of inter-religious dialogue; and engaging religious leaders through Inter-Religious Diplomacy workto provide support and legitimacy to dialogue and cooperation between the Jewish and Muslim worlds. (www.mosaica.org.il)

The Jerusalem International YMCA offers a host of programs which bring together Arab and Jewish children and adults to learn about each other’s cultures, languages, and religions. The YMCA fosters tolerance and understanding through youth leadership programs, pre-school, and other intellectual, physical, and social activities. JIY’s signature program is Moderate Voices for Progress, a nine-month young adult program of training in conflict transformation skills and community building. (www.ymca.net)

Jerusalem Peacemakers is a group of religious leaders and grassroots peacemakers working for peace and reconciliation in Jerusalem and the Holy Land. We host monthly peace gatherings that bring together Israelis, Palestinians and internationals in our two centers in East and West Jerusalem. We facilitate the Abrahamic Reunion, a group of Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Druze religious leaders and women peacemakers working together to reclaim religion as a source for peace. We empower religious moderates by supporting humanitarian projects by Abrahamic Reunion members within their own faith communities. (www.jerusalempeacemakers.org)

Just Vision informs local and international audiences about under-documented Palestinian and Israeli civilian efforts to resolve the conflict nonviolently. Using media and educational tools, such as documentary films and an online media archive, Just Vision raises awareness in order to encourage civic participation in grassroots peace building. Just Vision also works in Israeli classrooms and youth movements, Palestinian community centers, American religious institutions and schools, and with the mainstream media to spread the message of grassroots peace activists. (www.justvision.org)

Keshev, established by a group of intellectuals, jurists, academics and concerned citizens following the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, defends and promotes democratic values in Israel. Keshev aims to change patterns of discourse and media coverage in Israel that are prejudiced, incite against, defame, de-legitimize or de-humanize the other side. We also work to instill skills for critical media consumption among various target populations: journalists, students, teachers, NGOs, and the general public. (www.keshev.org.il)

KIDS4PEACE provides a safe place 10-12 year old children – Israelis, Palestinian, and Americans – Jews, Christians, and Muslim – to bridge the religious, cultural, political and physical barriers separating them and promote a culture of peace and understanding. Tolerance and respect for cultural and religious diversity begins with the very young, and extends to adults. Kids4Peace has recently held seven July peace camps in Atlanta, Vermont, and North Carolina with 128 kids from Israel, Palestine, and the U.S. Follow-on continuation programs ensure the children remain engaged. (www.kids4peaceusa.org)

MAARAG: The Association for Advancement of Education in a Multicultural Society(Hebrew for “Weave”) works to promote intercultural understanding by providing northern Israel’s Jewish and Arab local governments, schools, and communities with the necessary tools and skills to build a sense of shared citizenship among their diverse, often conflict-ridden communities. (www.maarag.org)

The Masar Centre’s mission is to foster understanding and cooperation between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East by designing and executing projects on the people-to-people level. Especially through its focus on youth, Masar works to create an infrastructure to support future peacemaking and peace-building in the Middle East.

MEPEACE.org is a non-profit organization, which aims to foster a growing community of peacemakers. Its peacemakers, from 175 countries, are committed to realizing peace in the Middle East through online and on the ground efforts. Online, its web platform enables individuals and organizations to share information through photos, videos, blogs, discussions and groups. On the ground, MEPEACE creates community-building encounters, providesactivist leadership training, and offers technology consulting to other organizations. Ha'aretz called MEPEACE.org the "Facebook of Peace". All are invited to join. (www.mepeace.org)

Middleway (Shvil Zahav) is a grassroots Jewish/Arab organization which changes attitudes on the ground through spiritually-inspired peace activism. Its main activities are silent peace walks, sharing/dialogue circles, and humanitarian aid in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Middleway recently opened a free holistic health clinic and dialogue center in a Palestinian village. (www.middleway.org)

The Negev Institute for Strategies of Peace and Development (NISPED), an affiliate of the Negev College, focuses on promoting peace and development through a number of civil society programs. Our activities include cross-border projects with Palestinians, Jewish-Arab partnerships, economic development and community empowerment of Arab Bedouin, training and education to promote entrepreneurship, small and medium enterprises, cooperatives and people-centered enterprises. (www.nisped.org.il)

Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, located in the center of Israel, is the “Oasis of Peace,” the only community where Jewish and Palestinian families, all with Israeli citizenship, have lived, worked and educated their children together for more than 25 years. The community operates the first ever bilingual, binational primary school in the region where children learn together in both Arabic and Hebrew. Over 35,000 young people and adults have studied conflict management at the community's School for Peace. (www.oasisofpeace.org)

New Israel Fund strengthens Israel’s democracy and promotes freedom, justice and equality for all Israel's citizens. A philanthropic partnership of Israelis, North Americans and Europeans, NIF has led the development of Israel's vibrant public interest sector, providing financial and technical support to hundreds of national and community-based organizations. Today, NIF's focus is on fighting for civil and human rights, promoting religious tolerance and pluralism, as well as closing economic and social gaps in Israeli society. (www.nif.org.il / www.shatil.nif.org.il)

Open House is a center for Jewish-Arab peace education established in 1991 in Ramle, Israel. Open House/Ramle sponsors a Center for the Development of the Arab Child, including an affirmative action nursery school for 2- and 3-year-olds, along with a Center for Jewish-Arab Coexistence and Reconciliation, which organizes various activities for youth and adults from both communities, including an annual Summer Peace Camp. (www.friendsofopenhouse.org)

Opening of the Heartcreates opportunities for mutual appreciation and understanding across cultures through the arts, education and deepening communication skills. Through photo and art exhibitions, art and poetry contests, children’s concerts, theatrical performances and other cultural projects, Opening of the Heart helps people explore their differences and similarities, ultimately “making the strange familiar” through cultural similarities. (www.openingoftheheart.org)

The Palestine-Israel Journal isan independent, quarterly journal jointly-run by Palestinians and Israelis. It highlights and analyzes in a free and critical way the complex issues dividing Israelis and Palestinians. Through the joint platform it creates, the Journal promotes rapprochement and better understanding between the Israeli and Palestinian people. (www.pij.org)

Palestinian Peace Society is a non-profit organization established in 1994 to enhance peace “ideology” on the grassroots level among the Palestinian people. Since that time, PPS members have participated in mutual (uni-national, bi-national, and multinational) activities related to its main goal. PPS is a member of the Palestinian Peace NGOs Forum. Its people-to-people work includes projects on water and development issues in Beer Sheva and Tel Aviv. )

Palestinian Youth Forum for Cooperation is a non-governmental and non- profit organization that was established in 2004 as a natural and necessary response to the urgent youth needs in the Palestinian community. PYFC frequently collaborates with ALLMEP member YIFC (Young Israel Forum for Cooperation). (www.pyfc.ps)

Panorama – the Palestinian Center for the Dissemination of Democracy & Community Development contributes to community development and builds a pluralistic Palestinian society by promoting issues related to the relationship between the citizen and the society. Panorama runs its programs through three offices in Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Gaza and frequently works jointly with Israeli and Israeli/Palestinian NGOs. As an example, Panorama’s "Bringing Peace Together," involves ongoing joint workshops between Palestinian and Israeli intellectuals. (www.panoramacenter.org)

Through the Parents Circle, 250 Israeli and 250 Palestinian bereaved families that have lost loved ones in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict work together to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding through media campaigns, educational projects, cross-border seminars and cultural events. Its “Hello, Peace!” project provides a toll-free phone exchange which has hosted more than 530,000 phone calls between Israelis and Palestinians to create a human infrastructure for peace. (www.theparentscircle.com) )

Peace it Together Society empowers youths to promote peace through dialogue, filmmaking and multi-media. At intensive residential programs on Canada’s West Coast, we teach creative and practical conflict-resolution skills to Israeli, Palestinian and Canadian youths as they work in teams to create short films related to the conflict. We then work with the youth in their home communities, offering more communication and film workshops, to keep them engaged in constructive and creative dialogue. We also use the films they created as educational tools in the conflict region and around the world. Our vision is to build a culture of creative leaders inspiring and educating others to work toward peace. (www.peaceittogether.ca

Peace Society for Strategic Studies, established in 1986, works on spreading and enhancing the culture of peace. Our organization focuses specifically on building positive relations between Palestinians and Israelis, and in the region in general. PSSS works to create suitable conditions upon ending the conflict as well as to achieve coexistence between both Palestinians and Israelis through support. We operate on the basis of forgiveness, cooperation and open dialogue, with the attempt to reject spite and hatred. Another important goal is reconciling past conflicts and looking towards the future with love, hope, optimism and peace.

PeaceWorks Foundation/OneVoice Movement amplifies the voice of the overwhelming but heretofore silent majority of moderate Israelis and Palestinians to stand together against violence and extremism. OneVoice promotes grassroots Public Negotiations Process. Ordinary citizens learn the art of negotiation and importance of crafting public consensus around issues at the heart of the conflict. Through technology, electronic democracy, a cadre of experts, dignitaries, celebrities and spiritual leaders, OneVoice empowers citizens to exercise their civic responsibility and be the driving force for change within their societies. (www.OneVoiceMovement.org)

The Peres Center for Peace, founded by current Israeli President Shimon Peres, builds an infrastructure of peace and reconciliation by and for the people of the Middle East that promotes socio-economic development, while advancing cooperation and mutual understanding. Cross-border peacebuilding activities are implemented through the Peres Center's eight departments: Agriculture, Business & Economics, Civil Society Dialogue & Cooperation, IT Peace Projects, Medicine & Healthcare, Mediterranean 2020, Peace Education & Culture, and Sport. (www.peres-center.org)

Radio All for Peace is a joint radio station run by and for Israelis and Palestinians. With 50,000 daily listeners to its programs and music in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, AFP’s round-the-clock FM radio and Internet broadcasts create a unique platform for dialogue across the borders. AFP strives to provide messages of peace, human rights and moderate voices, most of which are absent from pubic discourse and mainstream media in Israel and the PA. (www.allforpeace.org)

Reiki for Peace is a non-political, registered non-profit organization in Israel that, through the practice of Reiki, works to create inner peace in our participants, peace between and among us, and trust and increased peaceful comm unication among Israelis and Palestinians. (www.reikiforpeace.com)

Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation co-sponsors integrated or parallel Jewish and Arab schools using the Waldorf method of education and conflict resolution training, which guides students to be hands-on contributors to society. In 2009, 58% of graduates from our Harduf Waldorf High School in Israel committed to an extra year of volunteer service (compared with 2% of graduates nationwide), working with Jewish and Arab homeless, drug addicted, or orphaned individuals. Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation also has completed the first of three phases in its Palestinian teacher training in the West Bank. (www.SSEFoundation.org)

Save a Child's Heart – The Heart of the Matter Program is dedicated to the idea that every child deserves the best medical treatment, regardless of nationality, religion, color, gender or financial situation. Save a Child’s Heart brings together Israelis and Palestinians by providing free cardiac treatment to Palestinian children at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel, holding a free cardiology clinic in Israel every week for Palestinian children from Gaza and the West Bank and providing outreach training programs in pediatric cardiac care to Palestinian physicians, at Wolfson, an affiliate of the Sackler School of Medicine at the Tel Aviv University. (www.saveachildsheart.org)

Since 1991, Search for Common Ground has conducted a multi-track program to promote peace, cooperation, and security in the Middle East. Recently, our emphasis has been in the field of media where Search for Common Ground has distinctive strengths. We actively support the development of independent media in the West Bank and Gaza. We also sponsor activities among Israelis and Palestinians and promote regional cooperation. (www.sfcg.org)

Seeds of Peace is an international youth organization, founded in 1993, that works to bring together youth from conflict regions to discuss coexistence and conflict resolution. The Seeds of Peace internationally recognized program model begins at the International Camp in Maine and continues through follow-up programming with international youth conferences, regional workshops, educational and professional opportunities, and an adult educator program. (www.seedsofpeace.org)

Over 14 years, Seeking Common Ground has a proven record for success in developing, implementing, and replicating inter-group contact and leadership development programs from an innovative female-centered paradigm. SCG’s programs equip diverse American, Israeli, Palestinian, Northern Irish, and South African youth with the skills and confidence to manage conflicts and become leaders in creating more just, equitable, and peaceful communities. (www.s-c-g.org)

Sikkuy (a “chance” or “opportunity” in Hebrew) is a shared Jewish-Arab, non-partisan, non-profit NGO in Israel that develops and implements projects to advance equality between Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel in government budgets, resource allocation, hiring policy, land usage, access to government services, etc. (www.sikkuy.org.il)

Shiraa Association for Development works with grassroots actors in Bethlehem, Palestine to carry out sustainable development programs impacting women, laborers, the elderly, and youth. Our projects work to improve the society’s economic circumstances and increase awareness of political and human rights. Whether through income-generation projects, vocational training, social assistance, or peace education, our projects show that justice and democracy are fundamental to achieving social and economic security. (www.shiraa.org)

Sulha Peace Project is a grassroots organization inspired by the indigenous process of mediation (Sulha); it aims to rebuild trust, restore dignity and move beyond the political agenda. Sulha prepares people for peace on the grassroots level and complements peacemaking efforts. Sulhaincludes people from different religions and ethnic backgrounds, and offers experiential programs of peacemaking, integrating listening circles, multi-cultural workshops, sacred interfaith rituals, shared meals, the arts and celebration as means for transformation in our Arab-Jewish encounters. (www.sulha.com)

TRUSTbuilds understanding and trust through education, dialogue, conflict management, and activities that promote non-violence, reconciliation, healing and love. Activities are geared towards finding the common humanity that dispels fear and vengeance among people of different religions, cultures, backgrounds, and nations. Programs include joint activities for Israeli and Palestinian Muslim, Christian, and Jewish clergy and spiritual leaders; joint political leadership training for Palestinian and Israeli women; and a Women’s Interfaith Network for Christian, Jewish, and Muslim women in Jerusalem.

At University of the Middle East Project, educators, professionals, and civil society leaders from all countries in the Middle East and North Africa study together in a range of graduate-level subjects. UME programs promote educational leadership for critical thinking, open inquiry, cross-cultural understanding and regional cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa. Students not only gain substantive knowledge in their chosen disciplines and learn about each other, developing both a collective sense of identity and a commitment to regional cooperation. (www.ume.org)

Through Windows – Channels for Communication (Windows for Peace), Jews and Palestinians from Israel and the Palestinian Authority work together to promote mutual understanding and acceptance. Windows runs media and art workshops for youth, sponsors a youth magazine in Arabic and Hebrew produced by Israeli and Palestinian children (circulation of 20,000), plans children’s drawing exhibitions, and distributes children’s videos through schools. Many of the activities for youth and adults take place in Windows centers in Tel Aviv and Tul-karem. (www.win-peace.org)

Young Israeli Forum for Cooperation promotes Israeli-Palestinian pragmatic dialogue and understanding, and fosters constructive joint projects at the young leadership level. The organization brings together American, European, Israeli, and Palestinian activists from diverse social backgrounds and political beliefs to explore and undertake cooperative efforts to promote mutual respect, understanding, and peace. (www.yifc.org)

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Sponors of With Earth and Each other

by embracing peace Friday, Nov. 05, 2010 at 10:33 AM

OrganizationsThe Abraham Fund Initiatives serves as both a private funder of coexistence and reconciliation programs, as well as a direct provider of programs aimed at strengthening coexistence, equality, and cooperation among Israel’s Arab and Jewish citizens. (http://www.abrahamfund.org)

The Adam Institute for Democracy & Peace creates and runs educational programs to promote tolerance and respect, teach conflict resolution skills and strengthen democratic principles in Israel and the region. The Institute reaches out to Jews (religious and secular), Arabs, school children of all ages, teachers, new immigrants, veteran Israelis, women’s groups and community activists. Cross-border programs include dialogue seminars for Palestinian and Israeli educators, journalists and young leaders. (http://www.adaminstitute.org.il)

A New Way brings together Arabs and Jews in Israel through joint activities for schoolchildren involving music, art, drama, science, and environmental studies. By teaching the children, and as a result their teachers, parents, and communities, about each other’s cultures, A New Way reduces prejudice and stereotypes while promoting mutual respect, trust, and enrichment. (http://www.anewway.org.il)

The Arab-Jewish Community Center, established in 1993, fosters better understanding, tolerance, and democratic values among Jewish, Christian, and Muslim populations in Jaffa while preserving ethnic, religious and national identities. The Center provides the community with a wide variety of programs, ranging from social welfare and assistance to families in need, to educational programs, empowerment initiatives, multi-cultural events and celebrations.

At the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, Jewish and Arab university and graduate students cross political boundaries to conduct joint research on environmental and natural resource matters. Living and studying together, they also explore and learn about their respective cultures, building peace and a sustainable environment. (http://www.arava.org)

AREEN/Future Vision is a Palestinian NGO founded in mid-2005. The organization’s vision is to strengthen the role and participation of Palestinian youth in building a Palestinian democratic civil society, with institutions and a legal system which will offer social justice within society especially for women, youth and children. Our vision, message, and programs are geared towards improving the terms and conditions of life and increasingly involve working with Israelis and Jews. (http://www.3areen.org)

Artsbridge, Inc.: Making a Difference Through Artutilizes collaborative art making and reflective dialogue to build lasting relationships between youth caught on either side of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We provide a safe environment, which cultivates creativity, voice, respectful listening and dialogue, empowering today’s youth to become leaders in the quest for peace in and between their own communities. (http://www.artsbridgecamp.org)

Beyond Words works to empower women, heal emotional wounds and traumas, and undermine prejudice relating to the Israeli-Palestinian and Arab-Israeli conflicts. The organization runs workshops, training sessions, and courses for Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze, Arab and Israeli women educators, professionals and leaders using an innovative multi-disciplinary educational model. The sessions touch participants on physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual levels all at once. (http://www.beyondwords.org.il)

CARE aims at promoting dialogue, democracy accepting the other, recognizing the right of the other to live secure, promoting Human Rights and non-violent conflict resolution. CARE also initiates and engages in Palestinian Israeli Joint educational projects. (http://www.care-palestine.com)

The Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation is a Palestinian NGO committed to an alternative approach to conflict transformation. We cherish the values of peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, respect and hope. It is our mission to contribute to a prospering, non-violent Palestine by empowering marginalized groups to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. CCRR seeks to strengthen democracy, human rights and justice as they are essential to a lasting peace. (http://www.ccrr-pal.org.)

The Center for Democracy and Community Development is a Palestinian organization focused on: disseminating the concepts and experiences of community-based participatory democracy; promoting the practices and theories of just peace in the Palestinian community, North Africa, and the countries of West Asia; encouraging the participation of marginalized groups in the decision-making process; working with children, youth, women, and community groups to improve society; developing exchange programs, research projects, and policy initiatives for the purpose of community-building, training, empowerment, and rehabilitation; and coordinating with all local, regional and global institutions that conduct related work. The Center objectives include working with youth, community groups, and women in community building, as well as civil peace and non-violence.

The Center for Religious Tolerance promotes peace and social justice through dialogue among the world's religions and through spiritually-based interfaith activities. CRT sponsors a variety of interfaith peace building activities in the U.S., Israel, and Palestine, with a particular emphasis on the role of women of faith in building conditions for sustainable peace. We develop and evaluate peace building models, connect local and global peacemakers, and provide financial, administrative and technical support to individuals doing grassroots peace work. (http://www.c-r-t.org)

The Centre for Humanistic Education (CHE) at the Ghetto Fighters’ House (GFM): The CHE engages high-school students and teachers from the Arab and Jewish sectors in an examination of connections between the Holocaust, personal and social morals, and implications for present Israeli society. The CHE educational process progresses from an in-depth study of the universal implications of the Holocaust to an intensive multi-cultural Jewish-Arab humanistic-democratic dialogue. Programs include Holocaust education,a moral education, citizenship education, and peace-education through intergroup dialogue. (http://www.gfh.org.il)

Circle of Health International empowers women’s health care providers in crisis settings. COHI partners with small, grassroots women’s organizations to provide technical assistance and clinical skills, and enhance organizational capacity. Its women’s health project brings together midwives from both sides of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict to share their commitment to their profession and to peace. Among other activities, they conduct shared training and advocate for their profession. (http://www.cohintl.org)

Citizen’s Accord Forum was established to build a just, equal and stable relationship among Israel’s Jewish and Arab citizens. Supporting citizen activists and government leaders, CAF bridges the gaps between these communities and strives to improve the status of Israel’s Arab citizens through advocacy, education, local & community development, media and networking. (http://www.caf.org.il)

The Compassionate Listening Project teaches conflict resolution and reconciliation skills for resolving conflict at all levels – from personal to global. The Project has ushered nearly 500 American citizens and leaders to Israel and Palestine to listen to the grievances, hopes and dreams of people on all sides of the conflict, and brings them together for trainings and events to rehumanize the other. Certification training for Israeli and Palestinian facilitators will be offered in 2006. (http://www.compassionatelistening.org)

Creativity for Peace nurtures the next generation of female leaders and peacemakers in Israel and Palestine. Since 2003, it has hosted 146 young women of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and other faiths from Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza at its summer peace camp in New Mexico. The camp focuses on reconciliation through dialogue and artmaking. Through an intensive three weeks together, the girls translate pain and anger into compassion and friendship and continue their relationships through gatherings in the Middle East. Through Creativity for Peace’s young leader program, graduates of the summer camps gain skills to tackle prejudice, boost self-empowerment, heal from the trauma of living in war, and lead groups. (http://www.creativityforpeace.com)

EcoPeace—Friends of the Earth Middle East is at the forefront of the environmental peacemaking movement. As a regional organization that brings together Jordanian, Palestinian, and Israeli environmentalists, its primary objective is the promotion of cooperative efforts to protect the region's shared environmental heritage. In so doing, it seeks to advance both sustainable regional development and the creation of necessary conditions for lasting peace. FoEME has offices in Amman, Bethlehem, and Tel-Aviv and is a member of Friends of the Earth International, the largest grassroots environmental organization in the world. (http://www.foeme.org)

The Foundation for Applied Research, dedicated to Middle East peace and Development for over 10 years, has actively pursued peace, security, economic well-being and justice for both the Palestinians and Israelis. FAR works with and promotes Palestinian-run businesses at home and abroad and introduces economic initiatives into Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, bringing employment where it is greatly needed. (http://www.foundationforappliedresearch.org)

Friendship Village is an International Center for educating young people to live in a multi-cultural environment and conducting joint Israeli-Palestinian projects. Its workshops and seminars for educate young Jews and Arabs on inter-cultural understanding, respectful coexistence, and inter-cultural and inter – faith cooperation based on real equality, tolerance, democracy and peace. Since 1998, it has provided international summer training programs for young Jewish and Arab women, schoolteachers, and political leaders. Another program high school graduates to volunteer in a mixed Jewish-Arab neighborhood. (http://www.friendshipvillage.org.il)

At Givat Haviva Educational Foundation, each year over 50,000 people from Israel and abroad participate in courses, conferences, and projects addressing coexistence and reconciliation. These programs educate Jews and Arabs about each other’s cultures, creating dialogue among students and teachers. (http://www.givathaviva.org)

Hamline University/Colleges for Reconciliation and Development’s fully accredited, college-level professional programs promote peace and coexistence among the Palestinian, Israeli, Jordanian and neighboring communities in the Middle East which they serve. MECRD’s courses promote both economic and social infrastructure, as well as democracy and peace. (http://www.mecrd.org)

Hand in Hand is a growing network of bilingual and multicultural accredited public schools for Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel, educating the next generation, from kindergarten through high school, who will create a more democratic, secure, and peaceful future. Its far-reaching impact extends to government leadership, communities, and educators across the country. Its award-winning schools in Jerusalem, the Galilee, and Wadi Ara focus on academic excellence, and its pioneering curriculum fosters mutual understanding as well as pride in one’s heritage. (http://www.handinhandk12.org)

Hapoel Tel Aviv's Education and Social Project (Mifalot) is the largest and most diverse sport for development organization in the Middle East, with over 300 programs serving 20,000 children and youth in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Mifalot harnesses the power of sport for educational enrichment and values education, to teach life skills to children with special needs, promote the integration and inclusion of newly arrived immigrants, create bonds of friendship between Israelis and Palestinians, and provide much needed assistance to children living in at-risk and disadvantaged environments. The programs build a sense of belonging and self-esteem for Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Bedouin and Druze children, who learn about and host each other and play on mixed sports teams - playing together not against each other. (http://www.mifalot.co.il/english) Check out the Mifalot blog at http://mifalot.wordpress.com!

Through Healing Across the Divide, American medical professionals bring together and assist their Israeli and Palestinian counterparts in creating bridge-building programs that improve the health of both Israelis and Palestinians. (http://www.healingdivides.org)

Heartbeat Jerusalem uses music’s power to build trust between Israeli and Palestinian youth. Under a Fulbright-MTVu grant, Heartbeat first convened a group of outstanding teenage musicians for a weekly musical-dialogue. By listening, playing and writing music together, the students learn about each other’s communities, histories, political views, identities, and hopes and develop tools for self-expression and social change. Heartbeat is working to include many more musicians, open a music studio in Jerusalem, and organize a series of community-wide events for Israelis and Palestinians to share music, build understanding and increase mutual trust. (http://www.heartbeatjerusalem.org)

The Interfaith Encounter Association promotes peace in the Middle East through interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural study – making religion part of the solution to conflicts in the region and beyond. (http://www.interfaith-encounter.org)

The International Center for Conciliation helps divided communities unfold their painful past and construct a shared future that is peaceful, productive, and prosperous. ICfC’s methodology addresses the uneasy heritage of conflict through training, mediation, and participatory community development. We have implemented change and train people in historical conciliation in Israel, Cambodia, India, Japan and Korea, Western Europe, and the United States. (http://www.centerforconciliation.org)

The International Center for Contemporary Education is an American NGO dedicated to promoting responsible citizenship and democratic values. It works in partnership with Middle East governments, ministries of education, schools and community leaders to develop youth, who respect diversity, embrace social responsibility, and who are skilled in conflict resolution, critical thinking and dialogue. ICCE programs include teacher training courses and youth programs for Palestinians and Israelis. (http://www.icceducation.org)

Interns for Peace has trained 250 Jewish and Arab community peace workers, who have in turn engaged 125,000 Jews and Arabs in business, athletic, cultural, educational, women’s, and community development projects. Intern graduates and activity participants become lifetime advocates of coexistence. (http://www.mpdn.org/interns.htm)

The Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel is an umbrella organization for institutions and individuals in Israel fostering inter-religious and intercultural understanding. Through ICCI, over 70 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim organizations promote peaceful relations between people in Israel and in the Middle East. (http://www.icci.co.il)

Through Ishmael & Isaac, American Palestinians and American Jews join together to raise funds and community awareness for the benefit of both Palestinians and Israelis in the Middle East who are impacted by the ongoing conflict, providing support for humanitarian projects in the region, such as university programs and medical relief projects. (http://www.ishmaelandisaac.org)

The Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI), founded in Jerusalem in 1988, is the only joint Israeli-Palestinian public policy think-tank in the world. Devoted to developing practical solutions for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, IPCRI promotes dialogue at various levels between the Israeli and Palestinian civil societies, including through active information activities and joint Israeli-Palestinian forums. (http://www.ipcri.org)

The Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization capitalizes on the universal nature of science to promote dialogue, openness, and mutual respect. It does so by funding high quality proposals submitted jointly by Israeli and Palestinian scientists and scholars who want to work together in the region. Projects are generally for three years and cost about 0,000 per year. IPSO has received more than 100 proposals over the last three years. It has funded 10 projects to date and is now seeking the additional financial support for more than a dozen additional very worthy, peer reviewed projects. (http://www.ipso-jerusalem.org / http://www.fipsousa.org)

The Jerusalem Center for Inter-Religious Cooperation/Mosaica Center’s mission is to translate the principles of the Alexandria Declaration of the Religious Leaders of the Holy Land – a groundbreaking document signed by Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious leaders – into concrete action to impact the lives of people of all religions in the Middle East. Activities include bringing together national-religious Jewish and Muslim educators; training facilitators of inter-religious dialogue; and engaging religious leaders through Inter-Religious Diplomacy workto provide support and legitimacy to dialogue and cooperation between the Jewish and Muslim worlds. (http://www.mosaica.org.il)

The Jerusalem International YMCA offers a host of programs which bring together Arab and Jewish children and adults to learn about each other’s cultures, languages, and religions. The YMCA fosters tolerance and understanding through youth leadership programs, pre-school, and other intellectual, physical, and social activities. JIY’s signature program is Moderate Voices for Progress, a nine-month young adult program of training in conflict transformation skills and community building. (http://www.ymca.net)

Jerusalem Peacemakers is a group of religious leaders and grassroots peacemakers working for peace and reconciliation in Jerusalem and the Holy Land. We host monthly peace gatherings that bring together Israelis, Palestinians and internationals in our two centers in East and West Jerusalem. We facilitate the Abrahamic Reunion, a group of Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Druze religious leaders and women peacemakers working together to reclaim religion as a source for peace. We empower religious moderates by supporting humanitarian projects by Abrahamic Reunion members within their own faith communities. (http://www.jerusalempeacemakers.org)

Just Vision informs local and international audiences about under-documented Palestinian and Israeli civilian efforts to resolve the conflict nonviolently. Using media and educational tools, such as documentary films and an online media archive, Just Vision raises awareness in order to encourage civic participation in grassroots peace building. Just Vision also works in Israeli classrooms and youth movements, Palestinian community centers, American religious institutions and schools, and with the mainstream media to spread the message of grassroots peace activists. (http://www.justvision.org)

Keshev, established by a group of intellectuals, jurists, academics and concerned citizens following the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, defends and promotes democratic values in Israel. Keshev aims to change patterns of discourse and media coverage in Israel that are prejudiced, incite against, defame, de-legitimize or de-humanize the other side. We also work to instill skills for critical media consumption among various target populations: journalists, students, teachers, NGOs, and the general public. (http://www.keshev.org.il)

KIDS4PEACE provides a safe place 10-12 year old children – Israelis, Palestinian, and Americans – Jews, Christians, and Muslim – to bridge the religious, cultural, political and physical barriers separating them and promote a culture of peace and understanding. Tolerance and respect for cultural and religious diversity begins with the very young, and extends to adults. Kids4Peace has recently held seven July peace camps in Atlanta, Vermont, and North Carolina with 128 kids from Israel, Palestine, and the U.S. Follow-on continuation programs ensure the children remain engaged. (http://www.kids4peaceusa.org)

MAARAG: The Association for Advancement of Education in a Multicultural Society(Hebrew for “Weave”) works to promote intercultural understanding by providing northern Israel’s Jewish and Arab local governments, schools, and communities with the necessary tools and skills to build a sense of shared citizenship among their diverse, often conflict-ridden communities. (http://www.maarag.org)

The Masar Centre’s mission is to foster understanding and cooperation between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East by designing and executing projects on the people-to-people level. Especially through its focus on youth, Masar works to create an infrastructure to support future peacemaking and peace-building in the Middle East.

MEPEACE.org is a non-profit organization, which aims to foster a growing community of peacemakers. Its peacemakers, from 175 countries, are committed to realizing peace in the Middle East through online and on the ground efforts. Online, its web platform enables individuals and organizations to share information through photos, videos, blogs, discussions and groups. On the ground, MEPEACE creates community-building encounters, providesactivist leadership training, and offers technology consulting to other organizations. Ha'aretz called MEPEACE.org the "Facebook of Peace". All are invited to join. (http://www.mepeace.org)

Middleway (Shvil Zahav) is a grassroots Jewish/Arab organization which changes attitudes on the ground through spiritually-inspired peace activism. Its main activities are silent peace walks, sharing/dialogue circles, and humanitarian aid in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Middleway recently opened a free holistic health clinic and dialogue center in a Palestinian village. (http://www.middleway.org)

The Negev Institute for Strategies of Peace and Development (NISPED), an affiliate of the Negev College, focuses on promoting peace and development through a number of civil society programs. Our activities include cross-border projects with Palestinians, Jewish-Arab partnerships, economic development and community empowerment of Arab Bedouin, training and education to promote entrepreneurship, small and medium enterprises, cooperatives and people-centered enterprises. (http://www.nisped.org.il)

Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, located in the center of Israel, is the “Oasis of Peace,” the only community where Jewish and Palestinian families, all with Israeli citizenship, have lived, worked and educated their children together for more than 25 years. The community operates the first ever bilingual, binational primary school in the region where children learn together in both Arabic and Hebrew. Over 35,000 young people and adults have studied conflict management at the community's School for Peace. (http://www.oasisofpeace.org)

New Israel Fund strengthens Israel’s democracy and promotes freedom, justice and equality for all Israel's citizens. A philanthropic partnership of Israelis, North Americans and Europeans, NIF has led the development of Israel's vibrant public interest sector, providing financial and technical support to hundreds of national and community-based organizations. Today, NIF's focus is on fighting for civil and human rights, promoting religious tolerance and pluralism, as well as closing economic and social gaps in Israeli society. (http://www.nif.org.il / http://www.shatil.nif.org.il)

Open House is a center for Jewish-Arab peace education established in 1991 in Ramle, Israel. Open House/Ramle sponsors a Center for the Development of the Arab Child, including an affirmative action nursery school for 2- and 3-year-olds, along with a Center for Jewish-Arab Coexistence and Reconciliation, which organizes various activities for youth and adults from both communities, including an annual Summer Peace Camp. (http://www.friendsofopenhouse.org)

Opening of the Heartcreates opportunities for mutual appreciation and understanding across cultures through the arts, education and deepening communication skills. Through photo and art exhibitions, art and poetry contests, children’s concerts, theatrical performances and other cultural projects, Opening of the Heart helps people explore their differences and similarities, ultimately “making the strange familiar” through cultural similarities. (http://www.openingoftheheart.org)

The Palestine-Israel Journal isan independent, quarterly journal jointly-run by Palestinians and Israelis. It highlights and analyzes in a free and critical way the complex issues dividing Israelis and Palestinians. Through the joint platform it creates, the Journal promotes rapprochement and better understanding between the Israeli and Palestinian people. (http://www.pij.org)

Palestinian Peace Society is a non-profit organization established in 1994 to enhance peace “ideology” on the grassroots level among the Palestinian people. Since that time, PPS members have participated in mutual (uni-national, bi-national, and multinational) activities related to its main goal. PPS is a member of the Palestinian Peace NGOs Forum. Its people-to-people work includes projects on water and development issues in Beer Sheva and Tel Aviv. )

Palestinian Youth Forum for Cooperation is a non-governmental and non- profit organization that was established in 2004 as a natural and necessary response to the urgent youth needs in the Palestinian community. PYFC frequently collaborates with ALLMEP member YIFC (Young Israel Forum for Cooperation). (http://www.pyfc.ps)

Panorama – the Palestinian Center for the Dissemination of Democracy & Community Development contributes to community development and builds a pluralistic Palestinian society by promoting issues related to the relationship between the citizen and the society. Panorama runs its programs through three offices in Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Gaza and frequently works jointly with Israeli and Israeli/Palestinian NGOs. As an example, Panorama’s "Bringing Peace Together," involves ongoing joint workshops between Palestinian and Israeli intellectuals. (http://www.panoramacenter.org)

Through the Parents Circle, 250 Israeli and 250 Palestinian bereaved families that have lost loved ones in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict work together to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding through media campaigns, educational projects, cross-border seminars and cultural events. Its “Hello, Peace!” project provides a toll-free phone exchange which has hosted more than 530,000 phone calls between Israelis and Palestinians to create a human infrastructure for peace. (http://www.theparentscircle.com) )

Peace it Together Society empowers youths to promote peace through dialogue, filmmaking and multi-media. At intensive residential programs on Canada’s West Coast, we teach creative and practical conflict-resolution skills to Israeli, Palestinian and Canadian youths as they work in teams to create short films related to the conflict. We then work with the youth in their home communities, offering more communication and film workshops, to keep them engaged in constructive and creative dialogue. We also use the films they created as educational tools in the conflict region and around the world. Our vision is to build a culture of creative leaders inspiring and educating others to work toward peace. (http://www.peaceittogether.ca

Peace Society for Strategic Studies, established in 1986, works on spreading and enhancing the culture of peace. Our organization focuses specifically on building positive relations between Palestinians and Israelis, and in the region in general. PSSS works to create suitable conditions upon ending the conflict as well as to achieve coexistence between both Palestinians and Israelis through support. We operate on the basis of forgiveness, cooperation and open dialogue, with the attempt to reject spite and hatred. Another important goal is reconciling past conflicts and looking towards the future with love, hope, optimism and peace.

PeaceWorks Foundation/OneVoice Movement amplifies the voice of the overwhelming but heretofore silent majority of moderate Israelis and Palestinians to stand together against violence and extremism. OneVoice promotes grassroots Public Negotiations Process. Ordinary citizens learn the art of negotiation and importance of crafting public consensus around issues at the heart of the conflict. Through technology, electronic democracy, a cadre of experts, dignitaries, celebrities and spiritual leaders, OneVoice empowers citizens to exercise their civic responsibility and be the driving force for change within their societies. (http://www.OneVoiceMovement.org)

The Peres Center for Peace, founded by current Israeli President Shimon Peres, builds an infrastructure of peace and reconciliation by and for the people of the Middle East that promotes socio-economic development, while advancing cooperation and mutual understanding. Cross-border peacebuilding activities are implemented through the Peres Center's eight departments: Agriculture, Business & Economics, Civil Society Dialogue & Cooperation, IT Peace Projects, Medicine & Healthcare, Mediterranean 2020, Peace Education & Culture, and Sport. (http://www.peres-center.org)

Radio All for Peace is a joint radio station run by and for Israelis and Palestinians. With 50,000 daily listeners to its programs and music in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, AFP’s round-the-clock FM radio and Internet broadcasts create a unique platform for dialogue across the borders. AFP strives to provide messages of peace, human rights and moderate voices, most of which are absent from pubic discourse and mainstream media in Israel and the PA. (http://www.allforpeace.org)

Reiki for Peace is a non-political, registered non-profit organization in Israel that, through the practice of Reiki, works to create inner peace in our participants, peace between and among us, and trust and increased peaceful comm unication among Israelis and Palestinians. (http://www.reikiforpeace.com)

Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation co-sponsors integrated or parallel Jewish and Arab schools using the Waldorf method of education and conflict resolution training, which guides students to be hands-on contributors to society. In 2009, 58% of graduates from our Harduf Waldorf High School in Israel committed to an extra year of volunteer service (compared with 2% of graduates nationwide), working with Jewish and Arab homeless, drug addicted, or orphaned individuals. Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation also has completed the first of three phases in its Palestinian teacher training in the West Bank. (http://www.SSEFoundation.org)

Save a Child's Heart – The Heart of the Matter Program is dedicated to the idea that every child deserves the best medical treatment, regardless of nationality, religion, color, gender or financial situation. Save a Child’s Heart brings together Israelis and Palestinians by providing free cardiac treatment to Palestinian children at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel, holding a free cardiology clinic in Israel every week for Palestinian children from Gaza and the West Bank and providing outreach training programs in pediatric cardiac care to Palestinian physicians, at Wolfson, an affiliate of the Sackler School of Medicine at the Tel Aviv University. (http://www.saveachildsheart.org)

Since 1991, Search for Common Ground has conducted a multi-track program to promote peace, cooperation, and security in the Middle East. Recently, our emphasis has been in the field of media where Search for Common Ground has distinctive strengths. We actively support the development of independent media in the West Bank and Gaza. We also sponsor activities among Israelis and Palestinians and promote regional cooperation. (http://www.sfcg.org)

Seeds of Peace is an international youth organization, founded in 1993, that works to bring together youth from conflict regions to discuss coexistence and conflict resolution. The Seeds of Peace internationally recognized program model begins at the International Camp in Maine and continues through follow-up programming with international youth conferences, regional workshops, educational and professional opportunities, and an adult educator program. (http://www.seedsofpeace.org)

Over 14 years, Seeking Common Ground has a proven record for success in developing, implementing, and replicating inter-group contact and leadership development programs from an innovative female-centered paradigm. SCG’s programs equip diverse American, Israeli, Palestinian, Northern Irish, and South African youth with the skills and confidence to manage conflicts and become leaders in creating more just, equitable, and peaceful communities. (http://www.s-c-g.org)

Sikkuy (a “chance” or “opportunity” in Hebrew) is a shared Jewish-Arab, non-partisan, non-profit NGO in Israel that develops and implements projects to advance equality between Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel in government budgets, resource allocation, hiring policy, land usage, access to government services, etc. (http://www.sikkuy.org.il)

Shiraa Association for Development works with grassroots actors in Bethlehem, Palestine to carry out sustainable development programs impacting women, laborers, the elderly, and youth. Our projects work to improve the society’s economic circumstances and increase awareness of political and human rights. Whether through income-generation projects, vocational training, social assistance, or peace education, our projects show that justice and democracy are fundamental to achieving social and economic security. (http://www.shiraa.org)

Sulha Peace Project is a grassroots organization inspired by the indigenous process of mediation (Sulha); it aims to rebuild trust, restore dignity and move beyond the political agenda. Sulha prepares people for peace on the grassroots level and complements peacemaking efforts. Sulhaincludes people from different religions and ethnic backgrounds, and offers experiential programs of peacemaking, integrating listening circles, multi-cultural workshops, sacred interfaith rituals, shared meals, the arts and celebration as means for transformation in our Arab-Jewish encounters. (http://www.sulha.com)

TRUSTbuilds understanding and trust through education, dialogue, conflict management, and activities that promote non-violence, reconciliation, healing and love. Activities are geared towards finding the common humanity that dispels fear and vengeance among people of different religions, cultures, backgrounds, and nations. Programs include joint activities for Israeli and Palestinian Muslim, Christian, and Jewish clergy and spiritual leaders; joint political leadership training for Palestinian and Israeli women; and a Women’s Interfaith Network for Christian, Jewish, and Muslim women in Jerusalem.

At University of the Middle East Project, educators, professionals, and civil society leaders from all countries in the Middle East and North Africa study together in a range of graduate-level subjects. UME programs promote educational leadership for critical thinking, open inquiry, cross-cultural understanding and regional cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa. Students not only gain substantive knowledge in their chosen disciplines and learn about each other, developing both a collective sense of identity and a commitment to regional cooperation. (http://www.ume.org)

Through Windows – Channels for Communication (Windows for Peace), Jews and Palestinians from Israel and the Palestinian Authority work together to promote mutual understanding and acceptance. Windows runs media and art workshops for youth, sponsors a youth magazine in Arabic and Hebrew produced by Israeli and Palestinian children (circulation of 20,000), plans children’s drawing exhibitions, and distributes children’s videos through schools. Many of the activities for youth and adults take place in Windows centers in Tel Aviv and Tul-karem. (http://www.win-peace.org)

Young Israeli Forum for Cooperation promotes Israeli-Palestinian pragmatic dialogue and understanding, and fosters constructive joint projects at the young leadership level. The organization brings together American, European, Israeli, and Palestinian activists from diverse social backgrounds and political beliefs to explore and undertake cooperative efforts to promote mutual respect, understanding, and peace. (http://www.yifc.org)



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there is only one solution to the Palestinian 'Problem"

by Bob Friday, Nov. 05, 2010 at 2:41 PM

The only way out of the insanity is the one state solution.

Equal rights, restitution, revelation and return.

There is no other way for peace and security.

This slaughter and horror has got to stop.

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Well,actually.....

by Lord Locksley Friday, Nov. 05, 2010 at 3:04 PM
armigerous@earthlink.net

The so called 'Palestinians' already have a state as established under the original British Mandate...it's called Jordan...those who now propose a 'one state solution' with 'right of return' etc are really nothing more than Jew hating lefty reactionaries who just want to find some kind of imprimatur to put on the slaughter of 5 million Israelis so they can pose and pretend as 'reasonable' and 'peace loving'...fortunately for the Israelis,these lefties are only deluding themselves

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paranoia & stupid doesn't make progress

by Bob Friday, Nov. 05, 2010 at 4:46 PM

we have come to expect such ranting from the zionist fringe.

To these psychopaths, the Palestinians who were murdered and driven off of their home are viewed as dangerous vermin.

such minds cannot understand justice or humanity.

They have only their tired and worn paranoia they hope is infectious.

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Two states for two people

by Darlene wallach Saturday, Nov. 06, 2010 at 11:50 PM

To impose upon two people a "solution" that neither finds acceptable is the ultimate in American/western imperialism. We need two states for two people. that is the only way both the Jewish peoples desire and the Palestinian peoples desire for self determination can be realized

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not quite

by hedeger Sunday, Nov. 07, 2010 at 6:16 PM

there is already a intolerable two state solution with the heavily armed one state, preying on the little state with total genocide of the native people, the Palestinians, as a final goal.

The little state now enclosed by walls, wire and sniper towers, suffers under constant armed invasion and full scale military assaults from their occupiers.

One state, one set of equal rights for all.

It's what the Palestinians have always wanted.

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