Re'ut-Sadaka - Jewish-Arab Youth Organization for Peace and Democracy

Although Israel consists of two populations, Jewish and Arab, members of these distinct groups have almost no contact with each other. Because of the distinct native languages, different cultures, differing needs of the populations, and mostly segregated neighborhoods, Jewish and Arab children study in separate schools. This is one of the many factors leading to the alienation of the two populations from each other. Many Jews and Arabs do not know anyone from the other group and very few Israelis have friendships across cultural lines. Therefore, the commonly held stereotypes that Jewish and Arab Israelis hold in regard to the other, which have grown out of years of political tension between the two peoples, go unchallenged.

Re'ut-Sadaka (Friendship) Jewish-Arab Youth Movement for Coexistence and Peace in Israel was established in 1982 by a small group of young Jews and Arabs in Tel-Aviv. Based on the belief that building mutual understanding requires the fostering of real relationships between Arabs and Jews in Israel, especially among the youth, Re'ut-Sadaka provides Jewish and Arab youth the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and perspectives and to develop friendships across cultural lines.

In 1995 the Friends of the United Nations awarded Re'ut-Sadaka the "We the Peoples: 50 Communities" award in the category of peace and security in recognition of its contribution to creating unity in Israel.

Re'ut-Sadaka creates dialogue between Arab and Jewish youth, promotes mutual respect and tolerance, advances equal rights, respect for democracy and pluralism, and develops young leadership in Israel. Annually Re'ut-Sadaka works with over 500 Jewish and Arab youth, and reaches thousands more by speaking in Jewish and Arab high schools across the country. Since the establishment of the organization, more than 7,000 high school students have participated in Re'ut-Sadaka youth groups, seminars, workshops, and field trips and more than 30,000 have attended lectures about the values of tolerance and understanding and ways in which they can contribute to the shaping of a new social and political reality of coexistence.

In 1997, due to Re'ut-Sadaka's years of experience and expertise in running Jewish-Arab workshops, many organizations have turned to Re'ut-Sadaka to organize workshops for their youth. These intensive weekend workshops provide many Jewish and Arab youngsters their first opportunity to meet each other. Jewish and Arab participants meet, learn about each other's culture and nationality, begin breaking down stereotypes and start the process of reconciliation between the two peoples.

To date, there is a solid core of over 200 youngsters ages 14-19 in the organization's stable youth groups. In addition, there are about 30 graduates of the youth group (ages 20-25) who help with activities on occasion. There is a staff of 25, five of whom are part time employees, the rest are volunteer counselors.

1) One Year of Life for Coexistence
5-8 Jewish and Arab high school graduates serve as volunteers, living and working together for one year. They plan and implement educational activities for "Re'ut-Sadaka" youth, organize community projects, and live the ideals of coexistence.

2) Friendship Groups
Weekly meetings of Jewish and Arab teenagers in mixed youth groups are counseled by two group-leaders (an Arab and a Jew). Youth groups consist of 15-25 participants, who range from 14-19 years old, and exist throughout Israel. In addition to the weekly meetings, they participate in the organization's weekend seminars, tours, and summer work-camps.

3) The Way to Peace Workshops
This program provides the first opportunity for Jewish and Arab teenagers to meet and learn about each other in a series of weekend workshops and seminars. Annually there are 4-6 weekend seminars, devoted to ideological and political issues. For example: minority-majority relationships in a democratic society, Arab culture - Hebrew culture, the peace process, human rights, etc.

4) The Negev Project
This program teaches Bedouin and Jewish youth in the Be'er-Sheba, Negev desert region about coexistence and cooperation based on real equality.

6) Multicultural Youth Exchanges
Exchange with youth organizations in other countries who face similar problems such as the struggle against racism, prejudices, and violence and who educate for intercultural understanding, tolerance, coexistence and cooperation.

7) Message of Coexistence Project
Systematic visits to high schools to discuss the necessity and possibility of Jewish-Arab coexistence. Workshops and lectures for pupils in the upper classes.

A) Talk Peace Make Peace
The Peace Process in the Middle East has opened big opportunities for both sides. The goals of the Talk Peace-Make Peace program are to build trust between young Palestinians and Israelis as a basis for multicultural and multinational coexistence and cooperation, established through mutual respect and equality between the two partners. These project is done together with the Palestinian Scout Movement and the Library on Wheels for Non-Violence and Peace.

B) Friendship Village
The Friendship Village will serve as a center for multicultural youth organizations in Israel and abroad. Use of small business initiatives will make the farm partially self-sustaining.

Re'ut - Sadaka (Friendship)

Projects of "Re'ut-Sadaka" Jewish-Arab Youth Organization:

Future Projects

Recent Activities

Future Activities