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."

"Camp with Seeds of Peace is a unique experience. It really changes you. I look at people differently now. Camp makes you see people as they really are, not according to what people tell you."

"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 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."

"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."

"At Camp, with Seeds of Peace, you spend three weeks with people you consider your enemy. That really changes your perspective … Israeli and Palestinian Seeds end up developing really strong relationships."

"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."

"Before Seeds of Peace, I didn’t think the situation could be changed by negotiation, but now I think it’s possible. Before Seeds of Peace, I thought it would be impossible to co-exist, but now I think it’s possible."

"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 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."