SEEDS OF PEACE works to secure lasting peace in the Middle East by bringing together Arab and Israeli teenagers, aged 13 to 15, before their fear, mistrust and prejudices have permanently shaped their vision of their "enemy." Seeds of Peace begins where international agreements end - dispelling fear in the hearts and minds of the next generation and preparing them for the arduous task of peacemaking. By nurturing lasting friendships the program makes it possible for these youngsters to become the Seeds from which an enduring peace will grow.

THE PROGRAM

Set in a neutral, supportive environment at a summer camp in Maine, Seeds of Peace creates a total coexistence experience in which Arab and Israeli teenagers live, play, learn, eat and sleep together. This intensive, month-long program combines recreational sports and arts activities with daily conflict-resolution sessions led by professional American, Arab and Israeli facilitators. Through the coexistence workshops, participants develop empathy, respect, communication/negotiation skills, confidence and hope - the building blocks for peaceful coexistence.

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1993 by author and journalist John Wallach, Seeds of Peace has intensified its impact with each passing year, increasing the number of Middle East participants from 50 in 1993 to over 400 this year, and expanding the regional representation from two to eight nations. To date, over 1,500 Israeli , Palestinian, Egyptian, Jordanian, Moroccan, Tunisian, Qatar, Yemeni, Cypriot, Greek, Turkish and Balkan teenagers have graduated from the program.

SEEDS OF PEACE: AN INTERNATIONAL MODEL

The program's proven impact has earned Seeds of Peace international recognition as an effective model for resolving conflicts worldwide. 1998 Seeds of Peace instituted a very successful program for Greek and Turkish Cypriot youth and this year Greeks and Turks were added to the program. In addition, a pilot for Balkan youth was launched in the summer of 2000. The success of Seeds of Peace was recently recognized by UNESCO, who awarded the organization with the Madanjeet Singh Prize for Tolerance and Non-Violence in the fall of 2000.

A DISTINCTIVE APPROACH

Seeds of Peace operates on two tracks - encouraging high-level government participation in the selection process of the most distinguished and representative young people from the nations participating while emphasizing the people-to-people relationships that are the foundation of real peace.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND SUPPORT

Seeds of Peace first drew international attention as distinguished guests at the 1993 signing of the Israeli-Palestinian Declaration of Principles at the White House. Seeds of Peace has received the enthusiastic endorsement of world leaders - including Prime Minister Ehud Barak, President Yasser Arafat, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, His late Majesty King Hussein, King Abdullah of Jordan, Queen Noor-al-Hussein of Jordan and former Israeli Prime Ministers, Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin. Each year President Clinton, Vice President Gore and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright have met with the Seeds of Peace youngsters in Washington, D. C.

SEEDS OF PEACE CENTER FOR COEXISTENCE

The new Seeds of Peace Center for Coexistence in Jerusalem offers year-round activities for Seeds of Peace alumni to sustain their friendships and commitment to coexistence. Weekly conflict resolution sessions, school presentations, cross cultural exchanges and publications to the Olive Branch (a newspaper) are just a few of the activities that are organized through the Center. The Center broadens Seeds of Peace's reach in the region by exposing hundreds more Arab and Israeli youth to our "best methods" conflict resolution training workshops.

SEEDS OF PEACE YOUTH SUMMITS