Community Building for 1000 Jews & Muslims, 11-12

The Galilee Women's group met in Misgav, in the big Sukkah of the town. Noga invited us and we came 5 women from Eilaboun and 4 from Bueine.

We were received by a group of women from the community, some of which are not part of our group but gave us and the group a lot of respect and joined their friends.

They received us with greetings and warmth, prepared for us a buffet full with special foods and did not forget the apple and the honey in honor of the new year that recently began.

After eating, Sima explained to the group about the Holiday, its food and customs, and about the Sukkah, its importance in this Holiday and what is symbolizes.

Many of the women did not know these things before!

Later we all went for a tour around the community. We saw different kinds of Sukkot and very beautiful decorations. It was a very nice atmosphere of celebration.

Links:

• IEA main website

The two educators' teams, some 30 teachers from Dekel School in Karmiel and A-Sallam School in Majd el-Krum, met on Tuesday November 15^th in order to plan together the joint students' activity around healthy existence.

First the educators had their own conversation about the nature of healthy existence and nutrition and how they are guided by the Jewish and Muslim traditions.

Then they planned the activities of the students: designating groups of students that will research kinds of traditional foods as well as preparing a booklet on medicinal plants and how they were used traditionally and for what purposes. Each group of students will focus on the research of one plant and write an entry in the booklet, which will finally be published for all students and parents.

Each of the teachers will now return to his/her class and explain to the students the whole concept, so that they will have good understanding of the ideas and goals of this project and the way it integrates the Jewish and Arab culture and tradition, shows the common in healthy existence and brings the two communities closer together.

The encounter was very successful!

Links:

• IEA general website
• IEA's reports page

Preparatory encounters

Four preparatory encounters took place in preparation for the new school year's cooperation:

1. On 15 August 2011 the leading teams of the two schools met. These included the two principals and vice-principals as well as the leading teams of educators from the two schools.
The encounter occurred in the beginning of Ramadan. The History and Islam Teacher Mr. Nader Taha explained the meaning of Ramadan, why do Muslims fast in it and the importance of charity and good deeds.
Then the teachers broke the fast together as they heard the call of the Muezzin.

2. On August 22^nd, some 20 educators from the two schools came together in order to plan the joint activities during the coming year.

3&4: On October 13^th separate encounters took place in the two schools, with the participation of some 60 students, guided by the schools' counselors.

The students shared what they liked and did not like about the encounters of last year and what they expect from the encounters in the coming year.

Links:

• IEA's website