The Need

For centuries the Galilee, with its natural beauty, fertile soil and places of historical importance has been home to people from many different backgrounds, religions, and languages. With diverse populations living side by side, the Galilee often served as an example of peaceful interaction and synergetic diversity between distinct societies. Today the population in the Galilee is almost equally divided between Jews and Arabs.

 

While all are citizens of Israel, unfortunately, there is very little connection between them. Lack of contact, different languages, and life in separate communities all lead to misconceptions and mistrust. This situation threatens the fabric of Israeli society.

 

The situation is especially acute with the younger generation. At this formative age, they have few (if any) experiences of authentic encounters with the “other” that could dispel prejudices and misconceptions and provide a model for shared society.