Views from Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam

Sunset toward Tel Aviv - Jaffa.

The beautiful Alayon Valley.

The Latrun Monastery.

Serene's tree -- a gift for my daughter when she was born, planted at the Fred Segal Friendship Library at Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam. See post: http://jetsetmom.blogspot.com/2011/02/tree-planting-at-neve-shalomwahat-al.html

Few things are harder for me as a mother than to leave my kids at home, while I fly off to some place far away. The greater the distance between us -- and the more number of days away -- the harder the goodbye. One of the few things that eases the empty heart is going to places I love. No where is that more true than my home away from home at Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, the "Oasis of Peace."  My extended family and friends who live in this special village established by Palestinians and Jews who have made a determined effort to live, work and educate their children together set an example for not only the Middle East, but the world. They are proof that people embroiled in a long-standing, bitter conflict can still find ways to respect and understand each other. My work takes me here a few times each year, and as much as I miss my own children, I hope that my small efforts lend its way toward a more peaceful future for them, the children at the "Oasis of Peace" and all those in Israel-Palestine.

Walking for Hope

Having hope isn’t always easy. And, Walking for Hope also takes a lot of work – especially when you are only two feet tall. Alex may be the youngest peacemaker logging miles on a pedometer for the sake of saving the planet. But working for peace will come naturally for Alex. His given name, meaning “defender of humanity,” leaves him a daunting future.

One Saturday this fall, Alex walked three miles for peace as a part of the annual Walk for Hope (http://www.bethecause.org/walksite/). Alongside a breadth of organizations interested in changing our planet, Alex walked for Palestinian children who have lost arms, legs, eyes and more as the result of violent conflict. The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (http://www.pcrf.net/first.html) is seeking medical support so that children may know another future -- one free of pain. And, Alex walked for Jews and Arabs who’ve made a determined effort to live, work and raise their children together in the “Oasis of Peace” Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam (http://www.oasisofpeace.og/). It’s taken for granted that Alex is growing up in a home learning about equality, respect, cooperation and genuine peace for all peoples. In the Arab-Jewish village, “Oasis of Peace,” they are teaching it one person at a time.

Spending only the last short leg in his stroller, Alex walked for peace, for hope. The power of hope should not be underestimated. In moments of severe crisis, it is hope that keeps humans living and believing that things can be different. So, the next time you think the situation in the Middle East or the world is hopeless, that there is nothing you can do…think again. If Alex can do it, then so can you. With all the miles that Alex has flown and strolled, these may just be the three most important of all.