Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam



Serene's first visit to the "Oasis of Peace"

 

Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, in Hebrew and Arabic, is the "Oasis of Peace" the only community in Israel where Jewish and Palestinian families, all citizens of Israel, have made a determined effort to live, work and educate their children together in the spirit of equality, mutual respect, understanding and genuine cooperation. It is home the first ever Palestinian-Jewish Primary School where children learn in both Arabic and Hebrew. It founded the internationally renowned conflict management programs at its School for Peace, a program bringing adults and teenagers together to discuss the most difficult issues of the conflict -- identity, justice, and how to make real and meaningful change as individuals in Israel-Palestine. It is located half-way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It has numerous interfaith, youth programs, conferences and other gatherings. Currently, it is developing a World Peace College, for locals and internationals to learn from the practical experience and theoretical knowledge of 35+ years of living together and creating educational projects.

This small village is my home away from home filled with an extended family and close friends who I work to support efforts their for genuine and durable peace for the future, for the world, and for all ofour children. Alex and Serene know their mom "works for peace" (as Alex says), but if there is one gift to give my children it will be to live peace.  

Innertubing at Snowdrift, Big Bear

It was 85 degrees at our house in Los Angeles in late January, so we headed for the San Bernadino Mountains for some fun in the snow. Our goal was to make snow angels, snowmen and snowballs. At more than 7,000 feet, the California sun had already melted the feet of snowfall that arrived in December on most of the mountain range. Luckily, there was just enough to make snow tubing a blast.

At Snow Drift Snow Tubing Park, 15 miles west of Big Bear City, we were able to slide the slopes in innertubes. Alex bravely moved from the bunny slope to the diamond hill after just a couple of trips down. And, while the staff is at Snow Drift is about as rude as the come (2 thumbs down), the slopes were slippery and that's all we needed for our burst of winter weather this year.

Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, California

The Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA

San Diego California

Thanks to our dear friends Diane & Pat who married on 1/1/11 in San Diego, we got to have our own mini-vacation. Top of the list fun activities in downtown are Seaport Village and the USS Midway Museum.