WINTER 2014
SEEDS OF PEACE IN ACTION As we enter the holiday season, we are cognizant of just how much work there is to do to restore trust, respect, empathy and compassion in the world. I am proud of the values our Seeds community shares, and of the leadership they show in creating change with open minds and a sense of possibility. Thank you for supporting our Seeds at this critical time, when their work has never been more needed. Wishing you and your family much health and happiness in the New Year. —Leslie A. Lewin, Executive Director, Seeds of Peace
Engaging communities in dialogue on racism, privilege PORTLAND, MAINE | Seeds in Maine have initiated a dialogue series to tackle issues of race, power, and privilege. The series comes at a time of national conversation about racism sparked by events in Ferguson and New York, as well as a high profile racial incident in Portland. Over 90 Seeds participated in the first two sessions in November, which were facilitated by fellow Seeds. Before engaging their classmates and the general public on the topics, the Seeds met for a series of workshops and internal dialogue sessions designed to build trust and consensus between them. During the dialogue sessions, Seeds exam-
ined the asymmetrical power dynamics they encounter in their communities, discussed the history of race and racism in America, explored stereotypes, and shared personal experiences of discrimination. They also spent time reflecting on the various emotional triggers associated with discussions of race and racism. “Although I recognize the racism in our community, I unknowingly block it out in order to feel better about having privileges that my friends do not have,” said one participant. “It helped me to understand that it is prevalent. It also opened my eyes to what my friends have gone through their whole lives.” “I already knew that race impacts a per-
son’s opportunity and privilege, [but] it was eye-opening to see the individual situations where race influenced my friends’ lives,” said another. The workshops also helped the Seeds plan this public engagement, starting with a two-day summit for youth from across the state planned for early 2015, and a series of facilitation trainings with public and private school educators in Maine. For the past 15 years, Maine Seeds have worked to engage their schools and communities to address issues like racism, sexism, and bullying, as well as intercommunal tensions between different populations in the state, including refugees and asylum seekers.
Addressing Jordan’s growing refugee crisis
Examining the impact of ongoing violence JERUSALEM | In the wake of the horrific bloodshed in and around Gaza and recent clashes in Jerusalem and the West Bank, 53 Israeli and Palestinian Seeds spent three days in late November examining their individual emotional reactions to the violence. The “I for an Eye” seminar provided participants with an avenue to better understand conflict and the forces that perpetuate violence, hate, and injustice—from occupation and religion to media and politics. “We created a safe space to address and process the emotional impact this summer had on all of us, and to better comprehend our own strengths, weaknesses and mechanisms we develop to cope with the aftermath, both individually and collectively,” said one organizer. In a powerful moment, the participants came together to support a fellow Seed whose
friend had been shot and killed near his refugee camp, and then held a moment of silence for all of the innocent Palestinian and Israeli lives lost this year. “This seminar was one which helped validate my Seeds experience,” said the Seed. “I learned about new things, but more importantly, I felt the support of my Seeds family which helped me to overcome one of the worst times I have ever had.” “In this, I realized the importance of listening, understanding and respecting others before we talk and judge them.” The seminar took place near Jerusalem at the only intentional Arab-Jewish community in Israel. In addition to workshops on media, the construction of narrative, and self-expression, the Seeds engaged in facilitated dialogue sessions—their first since the summer.
POSTER PROJECT SUPPORTS SEEDS OF PEACE NEW YORK | The Hamsa is a universal symbol for protection, blessings and strength across the entire Middle East. Our friends at Holstee have worked with calligrapher Josh Berer to bring the inspiring words of the Holstee Manifesto to life in both Arabic and Hebrew as a 12”x16” letterpress print. For every poster sold, $10 will be donated to Seeds of Peace. Prints are available for $36. Support us today by purchasing a print for yourself or as a gift at www.holstee.com/seeds
AMMAN | Jordanian Seeds and Educators gained a deeper understanding of the challenges facing their country and the millions of Palestinian and now Syrian refugees it is hosting. The two-day November seminar involved a visit to Jordan’s oldest Palestinian refugee camp in Jerash, as well as discussions with the field coordinator of the Za’atari Refugee Camp for Syrians and others working to manage the crisis. Participants also heard directly from refugees, including educators and students at a United Nations school, who shared their personal experiences and frustrations as refugees. Many urged the Seeds to help them to elevate their voices and turn talk into solutions. Seeds held their own dialogue sessions to reflect on what they had seen and heard, as a first step to taking action.
Helping peers understand Indo-Pak regional policies MUMBAI/LAHORE | Pakistani and Indian Seeds organized simulations of their governments and legislatures to gain a better understanding of the policies that impact regional stability. Over 150 students from 22 schools in Lahore and Mumbai participated in the mock parliaments. In Pakistan, which has witnessed overwhelming change at the national level since the 2013 elections, participants deepened their understanding of the political situation. In Mumbai, participants explored both the Indo-Pak and Middle East conflicts.