BY NANCY CHURNIN | The last time we visited the Texas and Arab teens who met and bonded through Seeds of Peace (“One teen at a time“), they told us how they listened to one another’s music, belly-danced, played sports and swapped tales about school. Best of all, they shared their wonder as they found that their friendship proved stronger than their different points of view at the International Camp held in Otisfield, Maine, at the end of August.
The bonding continues as these same teens traveled together March 12-19 to Amman, Jordan, where 33 American and 25 Arab Seeds, as they call themselves, were warmly welcomed by King Abdullah II, Queen Noor (the widow of King Hussein) and Prince El Hassan bin Talal (the brother of King Hussein).
The teens rode camels, watched the sunrise from a desert mountain, visited ancient cities and sipped sage tea prepared by gracious Bedouins. But the best part, they agree, was the strengthening of the ties that began last summer and their growing determination to spread the message of peace. Here’s what some of them had to say about their trip.
Samantha Richey, 16, DeSoto
What was the highlight?
Meeting King Abdullah II and Queen Noor. I was surprised they took so much time to talk to us. They truly believe in what Seeds of Peace is doing. Queen Noor did not act like royalty but just like an everyday person.
What surprised you most?
In some places, Jordan is really no different than the U.S. Of course, some places were very different, such as Jerash and Petra. I was overwhelmed with the thought of how old these places are.
Who did you meet that changed your mind?
Leena, an older Palestinian Seed, and Ran, an older Israeli Seed. I never really knew much about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hearing both sides and being able to ask them questions helped me to form opinions.
What did you see that changed your mind?
When I first heard of the Bedouins, I thought they would be unwelcoming, but the complete opposite happened. While in Wadi Rum, a few Bedouins made traditional sage tea for all of us.
How have you changed since last summer?
We are not just a group of 60 kids who went to summer camp and then a foreign country. We are 60 kids who are striving to make a difference in this world, and our journey is just beginning.
George Brown, 15, Fort Worth
What was the highlight?
Listening to Prince El Hassan speak. He is the type of international leader that I wish I could be someday. He is a leader who doesn’t set limitations on what he says.
What surprised you most?
The fact that we could all come back together and get to know each other again without any apprehensions.
Who did you meet that changed your mind?
I met many Muslim males who reinforced my idea that all Muslim males aren’t sexist.
What did you see that changed your mind?
Watching Muslim-Arabic males hang out with American girls was refreshing. They didn’t talk or flirt with any sexual intention.
How have you changed since last summer?
I have learned to learn more on a peer-to-peer basis. When I read about a culture, I will still try to learn about it from a real person.
Janet Landry, 16, Carrollton
What was the highlight?
Our jeep tour of Wadi Rum, a mountainous region in the southern desert in Jordan. We rode through the desert, climbed up the side of a sand-covered mountain and watched the sunset.
What surprised you most?
Muslim women wear a hijab out of their personal choice. I had always thought it was against women’s rights, but Muslim girls said they chose to wear the head scarf so people would judge their minds, not appearance.
Who changed your mind?
After hearing firsthand accounts of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I became neutral. Beforehand, I was trying to pick sides. I am now open to new opinions.
What did you see that changed your mind?
When I saw how dedicated and enthusiastic King Abdullah, Queen Noor and Prince El Hassan are to support Seeds of Peace, this made me respect Jordan’s contribution to peace.
Leead VanGruber, 17, Dallas
What was the highlight?
Bringing Arabs and Americans to cultural understanding.
What surprised you most?
The Arabs and Americans didn’t make me change my views. They listened and respected my views.
Who did you meet who changed your mind?
Prince El Hassan. He changed my mind about the Arab-Israeli conflict when he said that education and understanding would make this conflict much easier to solve.
What did you see that changed your mind?
When we went to the city of Petra, there were many merchants who had their sons try to sell things with them. It gave me such a sad feeling to see a little boy on the streets trying to sell whistles and postcards so he could eat dinner.
How have you changed since last summer?
When I came back from Maine, I came back from a surreal world that had Arabs and Americans existing together peacefully. Now my dream and goal is to make this happen everywhere.
Autumn Reeves, 17, Kennedale
What was the highlight?
I would love to say visiting the ancient Roman city of Jerash, meeting the King of Jordan, meeting Queen Noor. And it’s true; all the people we met were awesome. But the highlight was just the conversations. There is nothing more amazing than having the opportunity to talk openly with so many diverse people.
What surprised you most?
How down-to-earth and real the Jordanian royalty seemed. The king took time out of his busy schedule just to see us. Queen Noor had us at her home.
Who changed your mind?
After hearing from two older “Seeds,” Leena, a Palestinian, and Ran, an Israeli, I realized how right both sides are.
What did you see that changed your mind?
I didn’t think Jordan would be so Westernized, but they go to McDonald’s and Pizza Hut. I also was pretty surprised to see a lot of churches. Even after learning there are so many Christian Arabs, I never made the connection.
How have you changed since last summer?
I see the bigger picture. It’s time our generation has, as one of my Iraqi friends said, “peace, security and the right to live our lives.”
Casey Zager, 15, Longview
What was the highlight?
Listening to Prince El Hassan. He said Arab countries need to stop blaming other countries for their problems.
What surprised you most?
When I realized that Iraqis don’t dislike us. They just want what’s best for their country.
Who changed your mind?
The Iraqi teens. I thought they would be really anti-Bush and anti-American. Then they showed us a presentation with pictures of women with their hands dipped in ink for voting. One picture showed two kids playing with a burning building behind them. I realized their life is very hard.
What did you see that changed your mind?
I figured they would be praying all the time and that would be strange. But when I heard the call to prayer, and I saw all these people walking to the mosque, I thought it was really cool. It seemed as if everyone was hearing the same preaching at the same time. I enjoyed that.
How have you changed since summer?
I used to really support the war. I still agree with it, but I think we could have gone about it in a different way that would have been better for the Iraqis.
Yazid Al Saeedi, 17, Sanaa, Yemen
What was the highlight of your trip?
The people, because we got to build off the bonds we created at camp and make new bonds with people whom we weren’t close to originally.
What surprised you most?
I never knew that Jordan is rich with history and culture.
Who did you meet who changed your mind?
The Palestinian and Israeli speakers, because I got to listen to both sides.
How have you changed since last summer?
I had never been to a church, and I had a totally wrong idea about Christianity and how Christians pray. But the major change was in the way I think about other people. I learned that I shouldn’t judge people unless I know them well. I also used what I learned to change people around me.
Shatha Salim Bandak, 16, Amman, Jordan
What was the highlight?
Visiting the royal family and especially King Abdullah. He spoke to us about peace and about accepting people—the things we are trying to do.
What surprised you most?
The fact that Americans not only liked Jordan but had no problems whatsoever to live there. That made me look at my country in a more respectful and appreciative manner.
Who did you meet who changed your mind?
At dialogue, I debated a lot with a Jewish Seed who is sort of against Palestinians! When I heard what he had to say and knew him as a person, I could understand where his hostility against Palestinians comes from. So the reality of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has become clearer in my head having heard the opposite point of view. I was able to make a new friend who is against my beliefs but is still a friend.
How have you changed since last summer?
I have become more understanding, and I accept people of all beliefs and thoughts even if they are against me. Peace starts by a smile to your enemy. Do you think this is a small thing? Then you should try it, in your own society, and you will feel how wonderful it is to try and make peace with your enemies. After that, you can’t stop yourself, and you’ll always try and work for peace simply because it feels really good.
TAKING ACTION What else has changed for the Dallas teens since last summer? Janet Landry headed a “Books for Baghdad” effort with her fellow Dallas teens that has already collected 750 books and supplies for Iraqi schools in need. It’s part of a city-to-city program in which the Dallas teens have been paired with Iraqi teens. Meanwhile, the Iraqi Seeds of Peace teens co-founded a group called “The Hope.” They created a video to educate the public about life in Iraq, from the war to the first election and other recent events.
Read Nancy Churnin’s first story, One teen at a time »