A Courageous Vision

Establishing a permanent peace in the Middle East has proven to be a difficult and complicated undertaking. Today most Israeli- Palestinian interactions occur within the context of confrontation and is perceived through the lens of political conflicts.

Beyond the difficult and sensitive modalities of peace making, the lingering effects of half a century filled with animosities, fear, and mutual district have added a meaningful obstacle to the peace process.

The conflict has embedded itself within the social structure of both peoples and has hindered any true cooperation, trust, tolerance, or acceptance of the other. These issues cannot be taken for granted and must be tried to be settled.

Educational efforts on both sides are beginning to bring together and humanize the other party through communications and understanding. Education has a meaningful and formative impact on Palestinian and Israeli identity and perceptions of the other. Since the beginning of the Arab- Israeli conflict, education has been a tool for promoting different ideologies.

As a result, the curriculum on both sides evokes cognitive and emotional reactions that reinforce adversarial attitudes.

Consequently, the knowledge about and perception of the other is often limited to selected negative images, harmful stereotypes and at best, a detrimental distorted understanding of the other's culture and religion.

The ultimate success of peace will be dependant on the capability of both ethnic groups to live and work together, not just side by side, but in close cooperation with amicable interaction and mutual respect. Any attempt to establish a permanent peace in the Middle East will have to address education as an influential factor, which requires sensitive and flexible educational planning on both sides.