Holy Land Mosaic

The unrelenting conflict between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East is reported daily, but the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two is less known. Holy Land Mosaic chronicles the less reported side of the Middle East scene: the ongoing projects of conciliation and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, and between Arabs and Jews in Israel. Daniel Gavron presents a personal journey through the different movements, projects, organizations, and NGOs that promote tolerance and understanding between the two warring peoples, depicting some remarkable Jews and Arabs. Among the projects described are the village of Neve Shalom, where Jews and Arabs have lived together for three decades; the Hand-in-Hand bilingual schools, where Arab and Jewish children study in Hebrew and Arabic; and an Israeli group that rebuilds demolished Arab houses. In no way does the author play down the grim reality of the Middle East conflict, but his narrative shows that the enmity is not endemic. The current atmosphere is far from one of harmony and tranquility, but it can be different.