"This program is absolutely life changing. Before joining My Favorite Enemy I had never even met and Israeli or Jewish person. Truly, my relatives even fought in wars against some of the relatives of the other members. Now, we have written beautiful and meaningful songs together and recorded a CD, performed around the world and most importantly, have developed some real friendships and trust. Not too long ago this seemed impossible. This year I even attended Rosh Hashanah services in Nashville with my dear friend, Michael. It was my first time in a synagogue and I loved it. Different from a Muslim ceremony - but, somehow the same. As a Muslim, I am very proud to have been in a synagogue and participated in the Jewish holidays, and I pray every single day for peace to all people. "
Zaid, Jordanian Team
Ahuva, Israeli Team
I first joined MEP three years ago, almost my accident. You see, I live on the border of the "green line" - in Gilo, Jerusalem. My neighbourhood has 30,000 Jews and across the street there was a thick, high wall with children's pictures drawn all over it.
I am not a bad person. Actually, I am a history teacher finishing her MA., mother of two, religious - but, open to the world. Still - I have walked passed this wall every day and never stopped to think of the lives of the thousands of people on the other side.
One day, the government took that wall down, and suddenly I was facing a huge Arab city - Bethlehem. Less then half a mile away! That same week I joined MEP.
In amazing Norway, guided by the most courageous and tender human beings I have ever met, I sat face t face, day by day, with my neighbours from back home. Seeing, listening, hugging and crying and understanding there side, my side - our situation, for the first time.
Coming home from that shocking experience has changed my life. I have stayed in contact with many Palestinian new friends, have visited their homes and families in Ramallah. Last year three of us from MEP - religious, secular and an Arab/Israeli founded a swimming program that bonded kids and their parents from both "sides," My husband and I have begun learning Arabic and who knows what wonderful new possibilities await?
MEP has not made me more "left", and has not made me give up my Israeli dream. It has made me want a new dream - one that will be better for all of us living here on this holy land.
I am not a bad person. Actually, I am a history teacher finishing her MA., mother of two, religious - but, open to the world. Still - I have walked passed this wall every day and never stopped to think of the lives of the thousands of people on the other side.
One day, the government took that wall down, and suddenly I was facing a huge Arab city - Bethlehem. Less then half a mile away! That same week I joined MEP.
In amazing Norway, guided by the most courageous and tender human beings I have ever met, I sat face t face, day by day, with my neighbours from back home. Seeing, listening, hugging and crying and understanding there side, my side - our situation, for the first time.
Coming home from that shocking experience has changed my life. I have stayed in contact with many Palestinian new friends, have visited their homes and families in Ramallah. Last year three of us from MEP - religious, secular and an Arab/Israeli founded a swimming program that bonded kids and their parents from both "sides," My husband and I have begun learning Arabic and who knows what wonderful new possibilities await?
MEP has not made me more "left", and has not made me give up my Israeli dream. It has made me want a new dream - one that will be better for all of us living here on this holy land.
Dr. Henrik Syse, Senior Research Fellow, PRIO (Peace Research Institute Oslo)
"In a world seemingly filled with broken promises, it is such a gift to be part of MEP. With courage, commitment, and compassion, this extraordinary group of individuals is creating real hope for the future. Each and every participant has both a vision and a very realistic view of what it takes to create long-term and stable peace. I see an exciting future for MEP, and I believe it can play -- indeed, is already playing -- an important role in building the peace and transnational friendship that we all strive for."
(Dr. Henrik Syse, author, philosopher, researcher, and lecturer; former Head of Corporate Governance for the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund)
(Dr. Henrik Syse, author, philosopher, researcher, and lecturer; former Head of Corporate Governance for the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund)
Gregory Rockson, Founder of SIx Days Of Peace Festival, Copenhagen
"How many times have you heard of tensions between Israelis and Arabs? I bet many. But how many times have you heard of Israelis and Arab joining hands for a common cause? May be a few times. I know of one such group whose sense of compassion and grace give me hope for the future. Through the music of My Favorite Enemy, i have come to appreciate that at the end of the day, what matters is how we treat our fellow humans. Do we embrace our differences and use that to promote understanding or do we use our differences as an excuse to avoid each other. My favorite enemy teaches me the former."
Robert C. Kerr, Public Affairs Officer US Embassy, Copenhagen
Dear My Favorite Enemy,
It is an honor to have worked with you this past year and to have supported you in modest ways. Your energy and vision are beautiful to behold. As I attended your concert in Copenhagen, listening to the wonderful music, observing the obvious closeness of the performers from so many religious, national and ethnic backgrounds, it was easy to imagine that peace is possible in the Middle East, and around the world. Thank you the courage of your convictions. Thank you for the public stands are each taking to stand up peace and for the true spirit of brotherhood.
It is an honor to have worked with you this past year and to have supported you in modest ways. Your energy and vision are beautiful to behold. As I attended your concert in Copenhagen, listening to the wonderful music, observing the obvious closeness of the performers from so many religious, national and ethnic backgrounds, it was easy to imagine that peace is possible in the Middle East, and around the world. Thank you the courage of your convictions. Thank you for the public stands are each taking to stand up peace and for the true spirit of brotherhood.
Michael, US Team
I am so humbled and honored to be part of the extraordinary group of people that comprise MEP and My Favorite Enemy. Sometimes, here in the USA it is too easy feel far away from events in the MIddle East. And, we might not even be aware of our misconceptions about this small piece of land and the people who call it home. But, I now know how connected we all are and that back here in the states there are things we can do that can have a real and positive impact on the region. I used to think that peace was only about politics and world leaders holding negotiations and summits. However, peace is about people and their everyday lives - it is personal. And, if we keep it personal - as MEP does - then there is real hope and maybe things can change more quickly than we could ever imagine.
