A Storytelling Initiative for Peace in Israel/Palestine

 

In a part of the world that has been scarred by stories of hatred for so many years, The Healing Words initiative used story as a medium to dissolve borders and conflict between Arabs and Jews, to foster listening and to create friendships, building together new stories of hope, healing and peace. Since 2007 over 3000 participants from all the communities in the region took part and found a deeply moving and transformational experience.

 

We  would like to thank all our supporters for their contribution towards the Healing Words tour and festival for Peace 2009.

 

In April 2009 twelve storytellers from the UK and around the world came together to Emerson College to hone their storytelling and peace-making skills for use in the Holy Land.

 

For the first four weeks we met daily for intensive coaching and training sessions and for the next two weeks, we traveled all over Israel and Palestine offering workshops and performances to a variety of audiences:

 

Ex-Palestinian and ex-Israeli soldiers near Tul - Karem refugee camp.

 

Arab and Jewish children, teenagers and their parents in Jerusalem.A mixed audience of Palestinians and Israelis including members of the bereaved families forum in Wadi Ara and kfar yehushua.

 

Arab and Jewish women's groups in Acco - a town which is recovering (barely) since October 09 from a bout of violence and unrest.

 

Women of vision – Israeli and Palestinian circle in Daburiya.

 

A storytelling for early years symposium in Nazareth where we worked with over 260 Arab kindergarten teachers.

Arab and Jewish Theatre students at Haifa university.

 

The Gate to humanity Festival in Galilee where over 1000 people  of many ages, religions and nationalities took part in discussion groups, storytelling, theatre and music performances, workshops, craft activities and more  during the three days of the event.

 

'Everywhere we were met with hospitality and generosity. We shared stories, facilitated dialogue between Arabs and Jews, Palestinians and Israelis, often in difficult circumstances. The Holy Land is a very challenging place to work yet everywhere we experienced the power of story and storytelling to bring people together and begin a healing process. Through sharing story we discovered our common humanity. For many Arabs and Jews, it was the first time they had ever met one another and heard each other's stories.

Your generosity and support gave us the encouragement and the means to manifest this vision. We are committed to continue developing this work in 2010 - 2011.

 

Once again, with  heartfelt gratitude - The Healing Words initiative would never be possible without you.


Blessings of Peace
Roi Gal-Or  and Ethan Friedman
for The School of Storytelling and Storytellers

 

 

'During the festival, for the first time in my life, I felt that people saw me for who I am and not as a Muslim, Christian, Jew or Arab. I felt that people asked where I come from, to know about me and not about my right or wrong doings.'

 

(Amira, Bethlehem, Participant in the Healing Words Festival 2007)

 

 

‘A few days after the workshop I sat in the synagogue and during a meditative moment the vision that came to mind was the religious Arab woman who sat opposite me at the workshop and told me about her decision to wear the headdress to keep her head covered and about her very private relationship with God. And how very alike we are in so many ways. And how beautiful is that! What a wonderful experience it was to be surrounded by so many storytellers who excel in their art! A true blessing and privilege!

(Lisa Bloom, Acco, Participant in the Healing words workshop in Acco 2009)

 

‘Is it possible that telling stories could bring peace to Israel? Are stories able to expel hatred, violence and aggression, in a country where even international involvement doesn’t help at all? Only dreamers will answer these questions affirmative. But people need to dream in order to change reality, however little that change may be.I was one of those dreamers who went to the Healing Words Festival in the hills of Galilee in May 2007. There I met Israelis, Arabs, Palestinians from the West Bank and Europeans from several countries. I heard their stories and shared mine with them. And I participated in a workshop where Palestinians and Israelis were willing to play, dance, sing and communicate with each other. It was a heart-warming, inspiring event showing me that sharing stories and playing together can be the beginning of a healing process of peace.’

(Gottfrid van Eck, The Netherlands, Participant in the Healing Words Festival 2007)