Interview :: Peace & War

Oasis Of Peace / Israel

Author

George

Date Created

02 May 2004

More details...

George Cadman of Free Radio Santa Cruz speaks with Adi Frish and Laila Najar about their life in the village of Neve Shalom/Wahat al Salam (Oasis Of Peace) in Israel. Laila, 20, and Adi, 21, are visiting communities across the U.S. this month to speak about their lives together. Adi, who is Jewish, and Laila, a Palestinian Arab, are addressing groups and congregations in eight cities through May 3. Lifelong friends, Adi Frish, 21, and Laila Najjar, 20, were among the first children born in Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam. Their parents decided in 1978 to live with the other side. Adi, who is Jewish, and Laila, a Palestinian Arab, grew up as neighbors and attended the village’s integrated, bilingual Primary School together.

Adi studied at the Rubin Music and Dance Academy in Jerusalem and, after working for a cellular phone company, is now a manager for a national chain of fitness and health clubs.

Laila studied Sociology and Social Sciences at Greek Orthodox High School in Ramla. She has worked as a Counselor at the NSWAS Summer Camp and is currently studying jewelry design at Jerusalem’s Academy for Art and Design.

Located mid-way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam is a community of 50 families, half Palestinian and half Jewish, all with Israeli citizenship. Democratically governed by an elected mayor & city council, the village's mission is to demonstrate that Jews and Palestinians can live together as equals. During even the most difficult times in Israel, the residents of the village are committed to this ideal. Through their various departments and educational projects, they reach out to the surrounding communities, involving all those who want to participate in lectures, workshops, and classes that further the work of peace among Palestinians and Jews. They reach beyond their borders with the message that "Peace is Possible."