Food, Environment, and Coexistence: 36 Jewish and Arab Teens Meet at 'Cooking Peace' Camp

The 'Cooking Peace' camp by the 'Green Network' brought together 36 Jewish and Arab teenagers at the Ben Shemen Youth Village. The camp included cooking workshops, climate studies, and dialogue circles, aiming to promote coexistence through joint activities. Participants also discussed sensitive topics such as October 7th and violence in Arab society, emphasizing the importance of dialogue for mutual understanding.

The 'Cooking Peace' camp of the 'Green Network' took place at the Ben Shemen Youth Village last summer, bringing together 36 Jewish and Arab teenagers, 20 Jews and 16 Arabs. The five-day camp featured cooking workshops, sessions on climate and environment, dialogue circles, and social activities. A highlight was hands-on experience with leading chefs in Jerusalem restaurant kitchens. The idea emerged from a shift in the 'Green Network's' approach, emphasizing the link between healthy nutrition and the climate crisis. Participants also discussed sensitive topics like October 7th and violence in Arab society through personal stories. Some activities were held in mixed groups, others in separate ones. The teens stressed the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding, and the need to break down barriers between sectors.