Over the course of a year, 20-25 Arab and Jewish 4th graders from X school in Jaffa, will meet monthly to explore Tel Aviv-Jaffa though fun and meaningful activities and build rapport and respect toward one another. They will be guided by both an Arab and Jewish counselor who will plan activities that may not appear – on the surface – as the “traditional” co-existence program. For instance, they will see a performance of a blind-deaf theater troupe. At first, the children might think, “how can a blind or deaf person perform?” They will arrive with stereotypes and misconceptions. After they take in the show, they will realize how much emotion and thought can be communicated nonverbally. This will lead to discussion as to how we first perceive one another and how we can avoid “jumping the gun.” Another project the group would take on is the planning, planting, tending of a community garden. By working side-by-side, the children will delight in seeing vegetables grow or a flower bloom and will realize that their team work created this garden. As the year concludes, the kids will be asked to come up with ideas for future informal meetings and ways to stay in touch.  

        Tel Aviv Teens in Jaffa: the many religions and cultures of Jaffa

In Israel today, public schools have virtually no funds directed towards co-existence programming, though interest is high. Beginning with the September 2008 school year, MRD will work with Tel Aviv middle schools to take 8th and 9th graders into Jaffa to begin the first step in understanding different religions. The secular public education system in Israel does not teach about other religions and many Israelis have never visited a church or mosque in their lives. Through MRD’s experiential tours with both Jewish and Arab tour leaders, we will introduce the teens to the rich spiritual lfe in Jaffa and through fun and engaging learning experiences teach the basics of Christianity and Islam; visiting a church or a mosque and meeting with relevant clergy.  This program is a first step in a process. Raising awareness and imparting knowledge are a must if we are to see a new generation of peace and co-existence activists.