Despite it all: Sulha – Jews & Palestinians meet at the PSCC

On August 21-22, despite the sounds of missiles and bombs that could be heard from the hills of Wahat al-Salam – Neve Shalom, 80 Jews and Arabs; young families with children, youth and older individuals from Israel and Palestine met at the Sulha monthly meeting.

This time, the meeting lasted two days, combining music, workshops on shared communication and dialogue circles. Jewish and Arab participants came from all over Israel, East Jerusalem, and Palestine as well as from the WAS-NS community. It included Bedouin from the Negev, and Arabs from cities in the north. WAS-NS village members Dyana Shaloufi Rizek and Michal Moses gave workshops on art as a means of communication.

The first day was dedicated to sharing personal stories on the current war. As part of the ceremony, participants lit candles memorializing those who had died, and dedicating wishes and prayers for unity. The night continued with participants sharing their feeling in a safe place around a bonfire, which lasted until the early hours of the morning.

The second day began with yoga, walking meditation, psychodrama and activities for children and youth led by the young people from the Sulha. This was followed by a workshop inspired by the teaching of Pachamama, which promotes working together for a thriving, just and sustainable world. This strengthened our commitments to take responsibility and action in building a creative shared future together. Participants helped with cooking and cleaning throughout the weekend, making the meeting a great success. In parting, we shared ideas for further actions, participation in existing actions and the continued work of the Pluralistic Spiritual Community Center in hosting the next ‘tribal fire’ of the Sulha and creating additional workshops for youth and young adults.