THE CHILDREN OF PEACE SCHOOL
Our followers may recall the proposed Children of Peace School in Rafah, southern Gaza. Amazingly the building still stands and is functioning as a shelter.
But there is some brightness. More than forty West Bank Palestinian families got a Summer fun day out in August, away from the troubles. An annual event made possible with a Children of Peace grant.
As this cruel and bitter war between Israel and Hamas lingers on, the collateral damage is palpable. Over 43,000 have died in Gaza. Over half are women and children.
Two New Friends
Two leading peace advocates join our impressive group of Friends.
Israeli Perspective
Rolene, our Israel correspondent on the consequences of a multi-front war.
Gaza Correspondent
Omar al-Najjar explains the hard reality of everyday life for Gaza residents.
WHAT WE DO – AND MESSAGES OF SUPPORT
Children of Peace is a non-partisan charity organization for Israeli and Palestinian children, aged 4 – 17, and their communities. Our aim is a shared spirit and well-being through arts, education, health and sports. Working for peace, building trust, friendship and reconciliation. So future generations might live peacefully side-by-side. We don’t take sides.
Shadow Home Secretary of the United Kingdom
"The UK’s longstanding position on the Middle East Peace Process is clear and has not changed: we support a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state; based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a just, fair, agreed and realistic settlement for refugees.
The UK shares your commitment to helping build understanding between people on both sides of the conflict, including engaging in people-to-people work to bring together different communities. This includes promoting a more positive portrayal of one another to contribute to building the conditions needed for peace."
"As your organization has recognized, children are often overlooked victims of violent conflict, and too few efforts are focused on their particular needs. Generations of Israeli and Palestinian children have grown up with peace as an elusive dream. Supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process requires grassroots reconciliation through the mobilization of non-governmental organizations such as Children of Peace. I wish Children of Peace the best success in all of its endeavors as it continues to grow."
"The Holy Father will remember your intentions in his prayers and he invokes upon you God's blessings of joy and peace."
I commend Children of Peace for their work in this area."
“For those of us who want to see a secure and viable state of Israel alongside a secure and viable state of Palestine, it is clear that projects which help to foster trust between different communities are an important way to encourage peaceful co-existence.
Children of Peace’s work not only helps to break down some of the stereotypes and fears that characterise the conflict in Israel and Palestine, but gives young people the chance to make friends and meet role models who can help them see things from a different perspective.”
Photo credit: top background image, Emad El Byed – Unsplash.