Completing the construction of the infrastructure for our new expansion area

This morning, we gathered at a very real but also symbolic crossroad that marks a momentous chapter in the history of Wahat al-Salam Neve Shalom. After a decade of perseverance and unwavering dedication, the construction of the infrastructure for our new expansion area has reached its completion. Leading the celebratory event was Rita Boulos, the chair of the village association. Her gracious welcome extended to the contractors, diligent workers, and representatives of the joining families. In her address, she reminded us all of the power of collaboration, affirming that cooperation and collective efforts shall forever pave the path to success - relating to the years of the devoted and intensive work of the village board on this meaningful project, and especially to the efforts made during the last year by all the board members.

As we stand on the brink of welcoming new families to our community, our village children eagerly anticipate the arrival of newfound friends. It is these very friendships that drive our desire to expand, and hence, they were chosen to be the inaugural guests as Rita ceremoniously cut the red ribbon. Among the attendees were some of the prospective families who are poised to establish their homes within the expansion land. Some of them, like Carmi and Yossi Vazana have nurtured dreams of becoming part of Neve Shalom Wahat al-Salam for over two decades. With the commencement of building their long-awaited abode, they harbor the hope that if not their children, then their grandchildren will grow up in an environment enriched by multiculturalism and bilingualism, fostering partnership and mutual respect.

We were honored to share this remarkable day with a team of journalists from the renowned Japanese newspaper, "Yomiuri Shimbun" – Mr. Toshi Fukushima and Mr. Assaf Yalovsky. In their conversations with Rita, they gleaned insights into the village’s history. Additionally, they engaged with Ariella Bairey-Ben Ishay, the Chair of the Educational Institutions board, discussing the transition from the concept of coexistence to our present ideals of shared society, partnership, mutual responsibility, and meaningful relationships. These principles are the bedrock upon which our daily pursuit of peace within our community rests.

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