What happens when children grow up side by side, but rarely meet?
In Israel, most Jewish and Arab children live in separate communities and go to separate schools.
When children are kept apart, fear and misunderstanding can take root where there should be friendship and trust.
Many form assumptions about each other before ever having the chance to speak. There are few safe spaces to meet peers from the other community, ask questions or explore difference with honesty and respect.
As one student put it, “There’s a lot of separation between us. On the one hand I understand why that separation exists, but it also sort of makes me sad…”
This longstanding divide between Israel’s Jewish and Arab communities has only been intensified by recent conflict in the region, making trust even harder to build.
That means most children have little or no meaningful contact with peers from the other community during their formative years. Division can feel normal, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Givat Haviva’s Children Teaching Children is a facilitated peace education programme that brings Israeli Jewish and Arab middle school students together to learn with and from one another.
With support from saʴý, the programme helps 12–15-year-olds build understanding across differences through structured, arts-based learning. In weekly sessions led by trained facilitators, students explore identity, democracy, community life and coexistence through storytelling, art, music and dialogue. This longstanding, structured process helps young people listen, speak honestly and build vital understanding over time.
It was a very interesting experience. I thought it was going to be scary at first, but all the people are just peaceful, and they're nice.
Student
There is a stigma that it's dangerous to enter an Arab village. The programme was really good. We made some friendships, built a bridge with the girls there. It was a special way to learn.
Student
The programme provides a rare and vital space for Arab and Jewish students to learn together, challenge stereotypes, and develop empathy. This partnership is helping us shape a more hopeful and resilient society.
Dikla Tomer Kaial, Director of Education, Givat Haviva
Arab and Jewish children do not usually meetZacharia Mahmeed, Project Co-Coordinator
“This encounter sometimes happens in academia but unfortunately it also happens at checkpoints with a soldier in the army facing an Arab Israeli citizen. That’s why we see CTC programmes as an opportunity to bring Arab and Jewish children together from a very young age, because it breaks down all the barriers and stereotypes,” says Project Co-Coordinator Zacharia Mahmeed.
To date, hundreds of students have taken part, with many reporting greater empathy, self-confidence and understanding of others’ experiences.
A massive 90% of participants reported satisfaction and said they would recommend the programme. Teachers and facilitators also reported deeper trust and stronger emotional resilience in the classroom.
Your support can help change that.
By investing in these programmes, more young people will have the opportunity to build understanding across difference, challenge prejudice before it takes root and develop the relationships that can help shape a more peaceful and resilient society.
Reports
