Holy Land Mosaic: Stories of Cooperation and Coexistence Between Israelis and Palestinians

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Rowman & Littlefield, 2008 - History - 205 pages
The unrelenting conflict between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East is reported daily, but the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two is less known. Holy Land Mosaic chronicles the less reported side of the Middle East scene: the ongoing projects of conciliation and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, and between Arabs and Jews in Israel. Daniel Gavron presents a personal journey through the different movements, projects, organizations, and NGOs that promote tolerance and understanding between the two warring peoples, depicting some remarkable Jews and Arabs. Among the projects described are the village of Neve Shalom, where Jews and Arabs have lived together for three decades; the Hand-in-Hand bilingual schools, where Arab and Jewish children study in Hebrew and Arabic; and an Israeli group that rebuilds demolished Arab houses. In no way does the author play down the grim reality of the Middle East conflict, but his narrative shows that the enmity is not endemic. The current atmosphere is far from one of harmony and tranquility, but it can be different.
 

Contents

Human Rights in the Shadow of Conflict
1
Courage to Listen
15
Refusing to Be Enemies
25
The Ultimate Symbol of Peace
35
Learning Together
47
Living Together
57
Island of Sanity
73
An Encounter That Spans the Centuries
87
Academy for the Environment
139
Thinking Together
149
Joint Media Initiatives
157
The Veterans in the Field
165
Religious Faith Problem or Solution?
177
First among Equals
187
Epilogue
195
Selected List of Organizations
199

Building Blocks of Equality
105
Creativity and Recreation
119
Donkey Garden of Eden
133

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About the author (2008)

Daniel Gavron is a long-time journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, the Jerusalem Post, and Ariel and aired on NBC and National Public Radio. He is the author of The Kibbutz and The Other Side of Despair and lives in Motza Elite, Israel.

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