Anglican Communion News Service

In a bold new initiative, twelve Israeli and Palestinian children from Jerusalem arrived in Houston on 6 July to spend a week at Camp Allen, in nearby Navasota. Accompanied by four adult teacher/advisors, the "Kids4Peace" will share songs, favourite recipes and even a fashion show of Israeli and Palestinian costumes, as they form friendships far from the conflict zone.

The children, all aged 10 to 12, are from the Jerusalem area. Among the group are Palestinian Christians, Palestinian Muslims and Israeli Jews. Most have virtually no other opportunities to meet and get to know children from the other side of the conflict. Before the journey, spirits were running high among the young participants - all of whom speak at least some English. One of them said, "Kids4Peace is important because we can show people that Jews and Christians and Muslims can be friends with each other. It will be interesting to see how we will connect with each other."

The remarkable initiative is sponsored by two institutions of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem: St George’s College and the St George’s Cathedral Local Pastorate Committee, but it was made possible by St Martin’s Episcopal Church of Houston and two anonymous donors. Camp Allen too is excited. George Dehan, President, said, "Camp Allen has a theme of 'Awaken your Spirit in the Piney Woods', and Kids4Peace has already awakened our spirit before they even arrive."

Parents and educators in Jerusalem gathered around their common belief that education leads to peace, despite the escalation of hostilities. Though confronted with a stalled peace process, the founders of Kids4Peace believe that an experience of tolerance and respect that begins with the very young can invite adults, too, into more mature ways of coexistence.

Follow-up activities have already been planned, so that once the Kids4Peace return to Jerusalem, they, along with their parents and siblings, will have further opportunities to continue the dialogue. Look for the Kids’ photos, reactions and plans at:

www.kids4peace.org

Article from: St George's College, Jerusalem