Seeds of Peace: An Oasis for Peace-Making and Conflict Resolution Between Arab and Israeli Teenagers

Abstract

This thesis examines Seeds of Peace (SOP), a non-profit organization founded by author and journalist, John Wallach in1993. After spending considerable time researching and writing on issues concerning the Middle East, Wallach developed a passionate vision to help create a more conciliatory future for the next generation in the Middle East. Fueled by this desire, as well as some charitable donations and the support of other persons dedicated to peace, SOP Conflict-Resolution Camp for Arab and Israeli teenagers was realized five years ago. In that summer of 1993, fifty Arab and Israeli youth traveled from their homes in the Middle East to idyllic campgrounds in Maine. There, they spent several weeks attempting to face and overcome their respective fears, mistrust, and prejudices of the other before these feelings and views became too deeply ingrained in their hearts and minds to ever be reversed