peacecamp 2011

When I first heard of the Peace Camp, I was very enthusiastic about the idea of going to a camp and meeting people I didn't know. I had no idea that in 10 days, I'd have so much fun and would be able to promote peace.
In the Peace Camp, I learned the values of listening to others, of helping others and of accepting opinions different than mine.
In the Large Group sessions I learned about the feelings of others.
During the Work Shops, I learned all those values through art.
The Camp gave me the best experience – fun and learning combined. I feel I've gained a lot from my time in the Camp.
I didn't want the Camp to be over, I wanted to stay there with the other kids and continue to promote peace.
Like it says in the Diploma I received, I feel like an Ambassador of Peace. I think that the Camp should continue to operate. It contributes to its campers and it is most crucial and necessary.

For me the Peace Camp was an unforgettable experience that I would like to keep in my memories for long time. In the Peace Camp I met new friends, different cultures and I learned about people from my country that without the Peace Camp I don’t think that I like them. I expected that in the Peace Camp it will be less sympathy for the Arab delegation from my side, but very quickly I have notice that this is not true. The most important thing at the Peace Camp was that I understood the Arabs opinion and I think that I've made my opinion clearly. The Peace Camp contributed a lot to my way of thinking and judge people and of course it also improved my English. I would like to add that I really had a lot of fun and I'm really happy that I took a part at the Peace Camp.

B. K.

This was peacecamp 2011
I’m Zsóka Szabó from Hungary. I went to the Peace Camp to meet new people, new cultures and to learn English. I have to admit, before the camp I wasn’t so excited about it, especially when I heard more about the conflicts between the Arabs and the Jews. At that time I didn’t know what Peace Camp means, how much I can get by participating in it. After a few hours I already knew I won’t regret it. During the camp I realized that it’s something extremely special.
It’s really hard to put my thoughts into words. I don’t think that someone who has never been in the Peace Camp can understand what it’s like. It’s definitely an experience what everybody must live through. I’ve got so much from the others; I learnt a lot of things. This experience was really special, it changed my way of thinking and I have new dreams now. I met wonderful people and I got to know new cultures.
During the camp I heard a lot about what happened and what’s happening in Israel. I’m sure I still don’t know enough to understand everything. Even so I realized some really important things. Both sides have losses and grievances. It’s important to talk about the problems, but at some point we should get over the past and focus on the future. Otherwise we’ll stick and the fighting, the war never ends; there won’t be peace for anybody.
We might have had some prejudices at the beginning, but I think everybody noticed that we are not that different as we thought at the first time. On Wednesday, in the afternoon we talked about our families. First I didn’t understand why it is so important but at the end of the program I found an answer to my question. It was surprising that our families are not as different as I expected. We are all humans; we all want to find happiness, love and peace in our lives. And this is what really matters. Religions, countries or nations are not that important.
We got to know each other more than we expected. We became friends and I’m sure we will see each other again. We had amazing moments together filled with laughter and joy. We woke up, ate, sang, danced, played, meditated and even cried together; basically we lived together. I enjoyed every minute and I know I won’t forget any of it.
It was a pleasure and also an honour that I could be a part of this amazing experience. It was such a wonderful “period” of my life. I know it was only 11 days –unfortunately-, but it meant a lot to me. I’ve never had an experience like this. It would be such a big shame if the peace camp program couldn’t go on. It has to go on. It has to change other people’s lives too. It would be great if more people could get involved; more people could hear about the camp and got interested in it.

Zsóka Szabó
Hungarian delegation

Dear Evelyn,

My name is T. and my two sons have participated in the Peace camp: Y. about 3 or 4 years ago and A., who just came back a few days ago all full of enthusiasm .

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the amazing experience that A. has experienced. I can see that he has come back somewhat different. His horizons have broadened and he sees things in a different way. He has made friends that , I hope, will accompany him for a long time. I really hope that the friendship with the Israeli Arabs will continue. I feel that you are planting seeds that will make a change.
Thank you,
T.

Dear Evelyn.

We came beck from the camp 10 days ago and all the memories still alive in my hurt we had exited and fantastic experience during the camp.
I earn out of the camp lot of friends, I exposed to many interesting opinions.
The discussions during the camp were on a high level and we succeeded to understood the opinion of the other side.
In addition I had a lovely time and I love the yoga, the meeting with ilan Baroch
,the atmospheres around .the camp were very pleasant and the conditions were very comfortable
I would like to say thank you, to all the team that organize this sort of camp and we have to carry on with this sort of music.
This is a right way to create, understanding and to know each other.
Might be in the future the seed that came out from the camp will help to create peaceful and tranquility around our world.

All the best-
Ili Arkind