My Experience at Peace Camp
by an MEPC Counselor
I always wondered what Jews and Israelis thought about what is happening in Palestine and Israel. How do they feel? Are they torn inside like I am? I had the opportunity to find out at the Middle East Peace Camp. As a counselor, it was comforting and reassuring to see the children playing together. They interacted simply as children, not as Arabs and Jews. Their ability to accept each other as "Omar" and "Benjamin" rather than "Omar the Palestinian" and "Benjamin the Israeli" were a lesson to others who struggle or fail to see beyond stereotypical labels societal and cultural pressures put on us.
For counselors such as myself it was a more educational experience. We had opportunities to discuss issues and listen to each other, which is something many simply cannot do in these times. I was somewhat surprised from I heard. We all felt for each other, and we all wanted a fair and reasonable solution to the problems in the Middle East. Although they may not grasp the magnitude of what they have helped create now, this is an important first step to exposing children to the realities of the world. This experience will open their eyes to new ideas, thoughts, and people they may not have had access to previously.
If this camp were to continue on the path it is now, it will help shape the next generation of individuals who will be given the responsibility of helping solve these huge problems. The Middle East Peace Camp was an enlightening, satisfying, and hopeful experience that I hope to be involved in again. My hopes are that I may expose others to the same gratifying feelings that I took away from it.
