Thanks to each and everyone of you for voting for our project in the 2019 WRJ Choice Grant competition! WE WON! THANK YOU!
Since 1989, the Leo Baeck Education Center’s Arab-Jewish Summer Camp has brought together up to 100 Jewish and Arab 6-11 year-old children each summer for a variety of shared activities, including arts & crafts, theater, sports, music, field trips and programs that promote cross-cultural understanding.
– Mahatma Gandhi
The children are divided into groups consisting of an equal number of Arabs and Jews. Each group has one Jewish and one Arab counselor. All camp activities are conducted in both Hebrew and Arabic—the children are taught and naturally learn words and expressions in each other’s language.
A Model for Shared Existence Programming
In addition to being a fun-filled experience, this unique summer program builds trust and confidence between Christian, Muslim and Jewish children who have few opportunities to be together, get to know one another and share positive experiences. Camp activities are designed to emphasize the universal concerns of all children, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, and to help youngsters appreciate and accept the differences among the different ethnic and religious groups in Israel today.
We do our best to reinforce connections made amongst the children by holding at least one grand reunion event is held mid-year. Many parents report that their children continue to meet each other at playdates and parties throughout the year.