Seeds of Peace

"Seeds of Peace has created a great network of people. It changes the way you act and communicate. It influenced which colleges I went to. It influences the way I do my job. History has shown what one man or one woman can do. Perhaps people from Seeds of Peace will become powerful enough one day to change things."

"Seeds of Peace has helped me discover the possibilities and importance of political and social action. I learned of different aspects of the Middle East conflict through friendships and found a whole new reality which I wasn’t aware of."

"The success of Seeds of Peace will mean a brighter future for the region and the world."

"Seeds of Peace epitomizes the kind of efforts so desperately needed in the Middle East to bring Arabs and Israelis in contact with one another at a personal level."

"Seeds is making a difference—one day at a time, one person at a time, one mind at a time, one heart at a time. I am honored to be a part of your outstanding program."

"Seeds of Peace is as important as anything done by statesmen, politicians, and people like myself, because these Seeds create hope."

"Let us avoid our egoism and put aside what happened in the past. Let us try to open a new page with the people who we consider our enemies and attempt to stop the violence and look for a resolution, not for us, but for the sake of the new generations."

"Seeds of Peace, you are no longer a miracle in the Maine woods. You have found your way into the larger world in so many different ways, and you are forging your own path to peace."

"Seeds of Peace is both inspiring and humbling, for it shows us all the simple power of friendship to change the world."

"What you are doing is an extraordinary act of courage, bridging historical divides, and learning to live in peace. Children are our best ambassadors. They are our Seeds of Peace."

"What is unique and special about this particular camp is that people never discriminate on the basis of caste, creed, religion or nationality. There is a safe and secure environment where every Seed is able to express their honest views. "

"Seeds of Peace is certainly an example of the world the UN is working for—bringing together young people who have seen the ravages of war to learn the art of peace."

"Teachers at my school asked us to say the first word that crosses our mind when we hear the word 'Palestinian'. Some said terrorists. Some said neighbors. I said 'FRIENDS'."

"Seeds of Peace is one of the most remarkable organizations that I have heard of or even participated in. The global impact of this [organization], I think, is essential."

"The youngsters at Seeds of Peace are my symbol of coexistence and peace in the region."

"We are not idealistic youth with no grasp on the real world, nor do we have unrealistic visions of immediate peace and reconciliation. We are an army of peace-makers who support it because we know the bite of violence, the pain of losing so much."

"The Seeds of Peace legacy has left a mark in people’s hearts, minds and souls as it has left in mine as well. These marks have grown in me more as I got to know campers from the other side of the conflicts and from other different backgrounds."

"Camp has exposed me to a side of life that is magical. It is where people can actually come together and stand side by side as humans."

"One of the first things you learn at Seeds of Peace is to listen. You have discussions about the conflict, but you also learn to live together and respect people who have different views and come from different backgrounds."

"I am so happy at Seeds of Peace. I have met so many people here and they're from many cultures. And, when I go back to my country, I want to teach the peace."

"Seeds of Peace is greatly contributing to the cause of peace. If these young people represent the next generation, then I can only be more optimistic regarding the future. You are the true builders of peace."

"I had a place here at Seeds of Peace to say what I feel in a free way. In a way that felt more natural than back home. I feel like, at Seeds of Peace, people judge me as a person."

"I welcome the efforts of Seeds of Peace. Such exposure at an early age to a divergence of views plays a crucial part in laying the foundations for tolerance and understanding."

"Camp felt like home. It felt comfortable. I knew it wasn’t going to last so I tried to take advantage of every minute. We lived with Jordanians, Egyptians, Israelis, Americans … We forgot about nationalities. We talked and we were just friends."

"Before coming to Camp, I was over-patriotic. I would never digress from my views of the other side. Despite my will to stick to my views, I was compelled—not by any individual, not by the Camp—but by the experience. I had to look at the bigger picture."