On December 20-21, the School for Peace opened its 4th Environmental Justice Program with an intensive conflict dialogue workshop.

The opening workshop of the course was held at the School for Peace in Wahat al-Salam – Neve Shalom. The participants were initially invited to tell their personal stories and describe how their lives and the lives of their families have been affected by the conflict. They did so with sincerity and courage. Under the guidance of the course coordinators, Mazen Zoabi and Noa Barkai-Reid, the group began a process founded on mutual trust and curiosity that will lead to a deeper understanding as the course continues.

The impression of both the participants and the facilitators from this first meeting is that we have a qualitative and interesting group of participants, with a range of ages and experience, and that this should permit an exciting encounter framework throughout the course.

The next meeting will take place on January 24, 2020 with an introduction to the field of environmental justice by Prof. Danny Rabinovich, in addition to the dialogue and encounter sessions that will continue throughout the program. There is still a chance to join this wonderful group and the fascinating journey together that they have begun.

With thanks to the German Friends of Neve shalom Wahat al-Salam and the Bruno Hussar Foundation for their support for the program.