Windows for Peace (UK)

www.win-peace.org

Windows CfC is a joint organization of Jews and Palestinians from both sides of the Green Line. It was established in 1991 with the aim of promoting acquaintance, understanding and conciliation between people from both nations, through educational and cultural programmes, media and art. They believe that in order to reach a just and lasting peace, and to advance the process of conciliation in their region, it is important to understand and internalize democratic values and human rights, and to deepen mutual knowledge of the other. In this way they strive to learn to cope together with the present reality that they, Palestinians and Jews, share.

The organization is not affiliated with any political party and does not offer political solutions.

The belief that serves as a base to all Windows' work is that both the Palestinians and the Jews have the right to live between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea as equals with their Human Rights upheld.

Among ‘Windows’ members there are people who support a two states solutions and others that would prefer to live in one state. There are Zionists and anti Zionists, supporters and objectors to the right of return etc. Windows is not about reaching an agreement – its about an active listening to each other and a real attempt to understand.

 

Window's primary project is the creation and publication of a bilingual Hebrew-Arabic Youth Magazine. The magazine provides Israeli and Palestinian youth with the chance to see each other as they really are. It's a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about each other's lives, feelings and opinions. The magazine also gives readers an opportunity to examine the attitudes they have towards each other and helps them to recognize their similarities and differences. Reading the magazine allows children to view one another as individuals, free of "national lenses". This enables Palestinian and Israeli youth to learn things about one another which many of them could not have learned any other way. For most, the Hebrew-Arabic Youth Magazine is the only means of communication with youth from the other nation.
 

Art projects form another important part of the Windows activity. Art is a unique channel of communication which helps to cross the barriers that alienate both peoples. It can  reach and reveal the personal that is universal and common to us all. Windows believes that this kind of encounter with ‘the other’ plays an essential role in overcoming negative stereotypes and learning about each other.

The focus of their activities is the youth of both communities.

Full information about Windows CfC can be found on their website at:
www.win-peace.org

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