News Briefs

Discussions for WASNS residents

With the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Gaza, and then the violent events that took place within mixed cities last May, the new municipal board decided that it was appropriate to hold an in-person meeting for the village residents. The aim was to allay fears, calm emotions and open a deep discussion about the inter-communal animosities and violence that had unexpectedly erupted throughout the country.

A meeting was convened at the Fred Segal Library, facilitated by external facilitators trained and selected by the School for Peace. Attendance was excellent, the discussion was good, and the meeting achieved its intention. It helped the residents come together, speak their minds and clear up misunderstandings. Practically, the members decided to stage a demonstration against the violence at the local junction; together with some residents of nearby Nachshon. The demonstrators then joined a larger demonstration held the same day.

Following the success of this first meeting, the participants decided to continue to meet on a regular basis. Since then, two additional meetings have taken place. The first was based on getting acquainted with the village’s living founders and their original hopes and intentions. The next was based on the theme, "What Wahat al-Salam - Neve Shalom" means to me. An additional meeting is also planned.

According to municipal chair Rita Boulos, all the three meetings held so far have been excellent, with the discussion being particularly effective with regard to political topics and the national conflict.

Expanding the village

After valiant efforts by municipal chair Rita Boulos and others, we have finally received the necessary permits for our planned new neighborhoods. This means that another 42 new families can start to build their homes. Many of these have been waiting for years. Now, they can finalize their architectural plans, and once those are approved, they will be able to begin building.

The Village environment

Wastewater treatment: The old sewage plant, which was incapable of servicing the expanded community, has finally been cleared away as the village is now connected to the regional sewage collection system.

Fire safety: During the long dry summer, when our region is prone to wildfires, we undertook an intensive fire prevention program, including clearing brush and undergrowth in a ring around the village and checking our fire response and safety programs.

Recycling: The collection point for recyclable materials, with its assortment of colored bins and baskets, is being moved away from its current location to a new, more suitable place. The municipality is encouraging everyone to sort and separate their household waste so that everything that is recyclable does not end up in landfill.

Going green: We are planning to convert the village’s public buildings to green energy, using solar panels to produce electricity. This is a subject that has been under discussion for a while, but we have now entered into negotiations with several firms and are awaiting estimates and proposals for this large-scale, vital project.

The Communications and Development Office

Jacky Sherman, who has worked for the Communications and Development office for the last four years (as well as from 2009 - 2012), has decided to take a hiatus to be with her family again.

In November, WASNS member Evi Guggenheim, who has worked on a part time basis for decades, particularly on matters related to the Swiss Friends of NSWAS, will be departing for a sabbatical year. She and Eyas plan to spend some time with their daughter and new grandchild, who live in Cyprus.

Bob Fenton is retiring after nine years of grant writing and fundraising, mainly for the School for Peace. His gentle, earnest and calmly capable presence will be missed.

Naomi Frid and Judy Halper are stepping into their shoes. Naomi, who previously worked in the high tech industry, comes to Wahat al Salam - Neve Shalom from the organization Elifelet, for refugee children.

Judy is a member of nearby Kibbutz Gezer and most recently retired from the Weizmann Institute of Science, where she was a science writer. Outside of her work for the C&D office, she continues as an active volunteer for a civil society organisation.