On Israel’s northernmost border, outside the town of Kiryat Shmona in the Upper Galilee, lies a unique environment where people from Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities live and learn together. Tel Hai Academic College is located in this province and hosts a diverse student body that offers students an opportunity to interact in a multicultural environment. A rare exception to most schools, the college goes beyond providing an equal academic ground for students of different religions and cultures. Since simply putting Jews and Arabs in the same classroom would not necessarily lead to any type of integration, Tel Hai actively fosters and encourages a framework for interaction between diverse populations -- exposing students to tolerance and coexistence as a result.
In a region where conflict and separatism between Jews and Arabs is customary, college is often the only opportunity for the two populations to meet on peaceful terms. Tel Hai’s Center for Peace and Democracy, part of the college’s Department of Education, puts this unique crossroads to constructive use. The college’s Jewish-Arab Dialogue and Action Program, a year-long seminar moderated jointly by Jewish and Arab professors, has the sole purpose of creating dialogue between Jewish and Arab students. Through this program, two remarkable young women formed an uncommon friendship and have become an inspiring model of coexistence; Rivka Taylor, age 23, is a Jew from the religious settlement of Bet El near Jerusalem and Sabrin Odeh, age 22, is a Christian Arab from Nazareth. Recently, they toured selected Jewish communities in the United States and Canada to share their experiences and their message of coexistence.
While working on an off-campus school assignment in the local community, Taylor and Odeh discovered their common love of the universal language of music. This mutual passion led to the blossoming of a deep friendship and set them on a path towards trying to make a difference together. Both women’s close friends soon followed suit, and as a result their perspective of Jewish-Arab relations – and their message of hope – began to build momentum and grows stronger every day.
Along their journey, Taylor and Odeh have learned that the process of change requires patience and time. Though Taylor’s husband is supportive of her peaceful efforts, her family is not as understanding. But small steps make a huge difference. When leaving Israel for their recent tour of the United States both women’s families escorted them to the Jerusalem Airport to see them off. While Taylor swiftly passed through security, Odeh was taken aside while all of her luggage and belongings were emptied and searched. As both families watched the search together, aware of the glaring inequality, they took the first steps towards change -- they began to talk to each other.
Taylor and Odeh are both studying special education and volunteer in their communities working with disadvantaged and disabled children. After graduating from Tel Hai, both women intend to continue promoting the idea of peace and coexistence, hoping that others will learn from their example.
Tel Hai’s Center for Peace and Democracy Studies was established in the wake of the intensification of conflict and violence in the mid-east that began in October 2000 and in response to the growing need to find ways to improve the situation between Jewish and Arab populations. The Department sponsors a wide range of programs that promote responsible citizenship, tolerance and coexistence, both within the college and in the community.
Over the past several years, Tel Hai has made impressive progress towards achieving a nationwide reputation for academic excellence, a constantly growing student body and a dominant presence in community action programs throughout the region. The scholarship fund provided by the Jewish Community Foundation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Sonoma and Marin Counties enables academically qualified but economically disadvantaged students a college education; a total of 734 students received support in 2003/2004. Through this fund, Tel Hai is able to take a proactive approach to student recruitment, setting off a chain of benefits starting with the individual students, and extending to the academic and regional communities.
The Israel & Overseas department of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties provides a direct relationship with Israel and its citizens through cultural events, community missions and direct grants. For more information visit www.jewishfed.org or call 415-512-6203.
By Beth Rifkin
Written for the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties
