This afternoon we went to Jasar a Zarka, an Israeli Arab village, and had dinner later on the Mediterranean beach with our new Arab acquaintances. . At first I was a little intimidated because of my experience at Westlake High School where the Arab and Jewish kids do not get along too well.
Then I went up to one of the girls at Jasar a Zarka and said “Hello, my name is
Lucy.” She told me her name and I asked her if she played sports. She
told me she played basketball – which is my favorite sport ! At that point I knew this was going to be okay.
We had some programs with the Jasar a Zarka teens. We also talked about what we want to be when we are older and some of the things we have in common. They are just as great as we are.
Thirteen thousand people live In the city of Jasar a Zarka. Most are young, with 60 percent of the population under the age of 10.There is one high school, one middle school, four elementary schools, 30
kindergartens and one special needs
school.
I asked some teens how they felt as Arabs living in Israel; they said they did not have a problem with it. To counter what is often presented on the news it is important that we as advocates and explorers spread the word that there are examples of peaceful relationships between Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel. We came in peace when we ate dinner and played soccer
together with Arab teens. I hope everyone has the opportunity to discover the eye-
opening experience of seeking the positive parts of Israel.