Letter From Rachel
Dear Friends of the Dreamers of the Galilee,
We find ourselves in a time of transition—a ceasefire that brings a mix of emotions, from the relief of relative quiet to the deep yearning and pain for the return of the abducted. Amidst this uncertainty, the Dreamers of the Galilee have embraced renewal. Our activities have resumed with fresh energy, reaffirming how vital these encounters are to our collective spirit. Once again, the voices of our young participants—filled with joy, curiosity, and laughter—propel us forward like wind in the sails of peace.
In January , we held a remarkable meeting between students from Kibbutz Amir's school, Eynot Yarden in the Upper Galilee, and Bukata Druze High School in the Golan Heights. Almost forty students came together, and through playful activities and a journey around the school, they bridged languages—Arabic, Hebrew, and English—to connect and learn about one another. This first gathering of the year was more than just an introduction; it was the rekindling of a powerful bond between young people eager to shape a better future.
A particularly moving moment came when 12th-grade graduates from Kibbutz Amir, who had once stood in these students' shoes, returned to share their experiences. Their heartfelt reflections on how the program shaped their identities and deepened their commitment to peace were a testament to its impact. Even more inspiring was the presence of younger siblings of past graduates—10th graders from Eynot Yarden School—who joined with excitement, driven by their brothers' and sisters' enthusiastic recommendations. Their stories reinforced a beautiful truth: the Dreamers of Galilee is more than a program; it is a growing, interwoven community of hope.
Word spread throughout the school as the meeting unfolded, and additional students from various grades approached us, eager to join. They had heard from friends and family about the transformative experiences the program fosters and wanted to be part of something meaningful. The enthusiasm was contagious. We ended the gathering by baking pizza in a traditional tabun, sharing food, stories, and laughter. Some students even kicked off an impromptu soccer game, embodying the simple yet profound joy of togetherness. Teachers and staff joined in as well, drawn by the warmth of the moment—a celebration of connection, friendship, and love.
In these challenging times, when the world is often gripped by division, fear, and the imbalance of power, this meeting was a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. A week later, teachers told us their students had already missed one another and eagerly awaited the subsequent encounter. This longing to meet, to embrace both similarity and difference, defines the spirit of the Galilee Dreamers.
With deep gratitude and renewed hope,
Dr. Rachel Ravsin-Ravid
Co-Director, Galilee Dreamers
