GOING GREEN AND BUILDING PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

COMMENTARY ARCHIVES, 25 Jan 2009

Survivor Corps

Survivor Corps expanded its global reach in 2008 with a new program in Israel and the West Bank, which brings together Jewish, Arab and Christian teenagers to collaborate on environmental projects.

The history of the conflict in the Middle East often keeps young people apart and fearful of others. By collaborating on environmental, cultural and social projects, teens are overcoming prejudice and setting a positive example for the community.

18-year old Israeli Benji felt the connection. "I want to keep serving in the army as a combat soldier, and at the same time I need to keep meeting my Palestinian acquaintances on a personal level. I cannot share this in my army unit, but I need to keep doing this for myself…perhaps after I finish the army service I will join a [non-governmental] organization."

Survivor Corps is also working in the north of Israel, in Haifa, a mixed Jewish and Arab city on the coastline. Our Youth Environmental Project for Jewish, Muslim and Christian teenagers and young adults will bring these individuals together at a spring in a public garden that has been the site of past inter-ethnic violence. The young people will tend the neglected garden, and then use the site as a venue for intercultural events. The name of the spring, Ein Siah, is fitting for the project as Siah means dialogue in Hebrew and guests in Arabic, implying both communication and hospitality.
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Survivor Corps is a global network of people helping each other to overcome the effects of war and conflict and give back to their communities.  In 2008, Survivor Corps grew from Landmine Survivors Network. The organization has expanded its mission to help all survivors of war. Landmine Survivors Network was co-founded in 1997 by two landmine survivors, Jerry White and Ken Rutherford. From the late Princess Diana of Wales to Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan the organization received support, praise and partnerships at the highest levels.

Survivor Corps focuses on the unique contribution and leadership of conflict survivors because we believe no one is better equipped and motivated to break cycles of violence than those who have survived war. Our programs currently help survivors in: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burundi, Colombia, Croatia, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Jordan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Uganda, Rwanda, United States and Vietnam. Our signature peer support program connects survivors with survivor role models to offer encouragement and motivation. This is crucial to helping new survivors find hope, get jobs, and get on with their lives. (…)

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