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Country Profile: Israel

Israel has been in conflict ever since its declaration of state in 1948. Since then, the inhabitants of this small Middle Eastern country have seen seven wars, and attempts to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been unsuccessful. Besides this ongoing, widely known conflict, the country faces many other challenges, including environmental issues and clashes between different cultural and religious groups.

Israel is one of the first countries where Play for Peace became active. Shortly after its founding in 1998, Play for Peace partnered with the Jerusalem International YMCA, working with mixed groups of Jewish and Arab children. While Play for Peace trainers visited many areas in the country, from Jerulsalem to Jericho, the next club was not initiated until 2014. Then, Sarah Gough and Craig Dobkin completed a 10-day training tour in Israel and Palestine, introducing Play for Peace to groups such as The Bedouin Girls Warm House Project, The Palestinian Center for Conflict Resolution in Jericho, a community group in Eilaboun, and a youth center and camp in Haifa. Another project with the organization Hand in Hand, an intentionally bi-cultural school, took place in 2016.

In 2017, a new club was formed in Galilee called Youth for Change Galilee with trainer and mentor Sa'eed Diabat. Their focus is on the environment, peace, and education, particularly for marginalized Arab youth from different faiths who live in the region.

“It is very important that different religions get involved with each other, so in the future we can avoid cases of racism from any side. Activities like the ones we are experiencing can help avoid misunderstandings because of differences.”


Maroun
Play for Peace training workshop participant

Play for Peace Clubs, Stories, and Projects

Youth for Change Galilee Club

Nazareth, Galilee

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