Children’s Summer Camp 2021

The Musalaha Children’s Summer Camp 2021 served as a vital beacon of reconciliation during a year marked by intense regional violence and the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the only organisation to successfully execute a five-day residential camp in the region that summer, Musalaha provided 80 children from Israeli-Jewish, Palestinian, and Gazan backgrounds with a rare alternative to the prevailing culture of fear and suspicion. By sharing cabins and engaging in bilingual activities conducted equally in Arabic and Hebrew, these young participants were able to break down learned prejudices and form genuine friendships based on a shared understanding of their common humanity.

The program utilised the biblical story of Jonah to anchor its reconciliation teachings, encouraging campers to reflect on their own attitudes toward those perceived as different. This educational mission extended to the camp’s leadership, which featured a team of counsellors and volunteers who were themselves alumni of Musalaha’s programs. By transitioning from campers to mentors, these young adults received practical leadership training while facilitating workshops, sports, and "Together We Can" sessions, ensuring the sustainability of peacebuilding efforts across generations.

Operating under strict health and safety protocols, the camp successfully navigated significant logistical hurdles, including the implementation of on-site COVID-19 testing for all unvaccinated participants. When military checkpoints and regional unrest threatened the attendance of children from the West Bank, a dedicated network of volunteers utilised private vehicles to ensure every participant reached the campsite safely. The success of these efforts was reflected in an overwhelming 96% positive response rate from the children and heartfelt feedback from parents, demonstrating that early investment in reconciliation can profoundly impact the future of the land.