Training 80 Youth Encounter Leaders

First encounter of the Interfaith Encounter Israeli-Palestinian Teens group, Beit Jalla

The encounter was held on November 13^th 2011, at 4pm in Beit Jalla.
We were three Jewish Israelis and seven Muslim and Christian Palestinians and we met in the Barbara Restaurant in Beit Jalla.

Since this was our first encounter, at first it was embarrassing and also the two coordinators did not prepare the encounter so we needed to improvise. Finally we found themes for conversation, like Gilad Shalit or the daily resting day in each of the religions: Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

We began with a round of mentioning our names so we can remember them and we also asked the Palestinians what were the responses of their families and friends to the encounter and they also asked us. The dialogue was managed with Netta, who mentors the group, translating for both sides, as in this way it was easier to express ourselves. Although this took longer – it was better as in this way every one could express themselves in the language in which they feel most comfortable.

Yehuda, the director of our organization, the Interfaith Encounter Association, joined us. He told us about the organization and directed our conversation and made sure we prepare the next encounter next month.
Following the conversation we had we enjoyed and laughed and the ice broke. Finally we fare welled with the desire to meet again soon.

Links:

• IEA's main website