JERUSALEM | Seeds of Peace Women of Action hosted the second annual “Peace is … ” Youth Arts Festival outside of Jerusalem on April 4. Women of Action is a growing group of Palestinian and Israeli women who are committed to working together to create a better and more peaceful future.
The daylong event brought together more than 70 Palestinians and Israelis between the ages of 12 and 15, in addition to 30 volunteers, chaperons, parents, educators, and Seeds. The majority of the participants came from Tulkarem and Eilat.
The goals for this event were to provide the opportunity for participants to explore the deeper meaning of what peace means to them through the arts and to learn actively from their peers from the other side. This goal was especially meaningful as the Festival took place in the context of peace negotiations.
Last year’s festival was focused on performances with the theme of “I am from …” Building off of experiences from the previous year, the Women of Action consciously allotted more time for workshops and interaction between the participants, while still allowing time for performances.
The event began with performances by Ukuleles for Peace and a dance group from Eilat. Afterwards, participants divided into groups and took part in a drama workshop, a gallery walk, and a drum circle.
Women of Action coordinators Lisa Waldbaum and Karen Abu Zant planned the event.