Israeli students plan peace conference

One of the wonderful things about blogging is of course the unexpected contacts made via the Internet. Recently, my inbox contained a message from a group of Israeli students "dedicated to raising awareness on the various conflict issues in the Middle East." As I lived and traveled in the Middle East for many years, I have an abiding interest in the region. I find it encouraging that these students have created a project called the Middle East Student Conference (MESC), which "will expose the complicated reality of the Middle East to the world" via a five-day international student peace summit.

From August 17 through the 22nd at Tel Aviv University, Israeli and Palestinian students - as well as students from around the world - will represent the countries involved in the conflict. They will be divided into regional and national delegations and simulate peace talks. Participants will be briefed by Tel Aviv University professors in subjects including Middle Eastern history, the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, the art of negotiation, diplomacy and more. The conference will include tours of Israel that purport to "offer a deeper understanding of the realities of the situation."

For more information about the conference or to register to participate, visit the MESC website here or send email.

Comments

[maybe]

To Marianne,

Truth is matter of perspective isn't it?
If people will continue to barricade themselves behind 101 reasons why they are right and the other side is wrong.. there will never be peace in the world.
If both sides will finally step out of their 101 walls of hate -maybe, maybe this conflict will be resolved.

Good luck with the conference!

[James]

Hi,
I just wanted to tell you that because of your publication of the event, I looked at the conference website and applied.
I already got a response from the organizers.
The event looks prestigious and a real chance to experience Israel.
I told my friends at Uni about it and I hope they'll come with me.
Thanks for the tip.

James

[wow]

i think it's a great idea... i have already signed up for this and they told me there are student comming from all around the world...

[Colette]

I sincerely hope they make a difference. So many initiatives by young people have not. My other big problem with Israel is that it does not recognize the genocide of the Armenians and are too cozy with the deniers, and it stuns me beyond belief! they are the last country in the world from whom I would have expected this, for obvious reasons.

[tangobaby]

I'm so glad to hear of this project and that you are helping to spread the word. It's not like the mainstream media or most politicians will want to publicize positive things happening in the Middle East (no matter how small) because it doesn't make for good business for most of them.

[Di Overton]

It's nice to see students doing something again. In the 60s they made massive changes, not all for the best but mostly. Let's hope we all come to understand both sides of the argument and bring about some peace.

[JP/deb]

Hats off to these students! I hope this conference infuses the power of peace into the minds and hearts of its attendees.

JP/deb
now blogging at www.janePOET.blogspot.com

[Marianne]

I want to be an optimist and believe that this project might really "expose the complicated reality of the Middle East" (which in my personal experience is not that complicated but is certainly very unflattering to Israel) but I have to confess old cynicism arises in me reading this post. But if you have hope Tara, then so should I. Has everyone seen "Occupation 101"? It's heavy handed and very clearly targeting the American audience, but it tells a lot of often untold truth.

[rochambeau]

The internet IS an amazing place. And you were a great person for them to contact. You have a humane spirit for all people. The middle east needs special attention. You are a good person to spread the word. Thank you!

xox
Will email later today.
missed you much.
Constance
Happy for you!