JERUSALEM | Three Israeli-Palestinian groups began a series of intense dialogue sessions this week. Two of the groups are gathering in Jerusalem, while the other will meet in Haifa. Each group consists of about 16 younger Israeli and Palestinian Seeds.
The dialogue sessions are being facilitated by pairs of older Israeli and Palestinian Seeds, all of whom have participated in the Seeds of Peace facilitation course. This 15-month course provides professional training to Seeds who wish to lead dialogue sessions at the Seeds of Peace Camp, or with Seeds back home in the Middle East.
These regional dialogue sessions build off the work that was accomplished in similar sessions at Camp. They are designed to challenge Seeds’ inherited stereotypes and prejudices with real stories and experiences expressed openly with their peers, and foster trust and understanding. This form of dialogue encourages participants to empathize, communicate effectively, and demonstrate respect.