(September 11, 2009-Los Angeles, CA) Jewish and Arab children share one stark reality in the polarized and volatile Middle East- Both are living under the chronic stress of conflict. A 2003 study found 42% of all children living in Israel and her territories suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Pioneer educators Tally Bat Ami Zahor and Lana Nasrallah will be speaking on “Healing Children While Building Bridges With Jewish and Arab Children in Israel” in a US tour beginning September 23 in New York City and concluding October 7 in Santa Cruz, CA. The pair will be joined by Shepha Schneirsohn Vainstein MFCC, Founder and Director of the Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation sponsor of the US tour hosted by local schools, interfaith groups and civic organizations. The public is invited to attend many of these events. Admission is free.

Presenters will inspire and inform audiences about their experiences with innovative and fruitful educational programs in Israel:

• Paths for Peace, Jewish-Arab twinned classes at the El Zeitoun in Shfaram.
• Ein Bustan, a ground-breaking integrated Arab-Jewish kindergarten in Tivon.
• Teacher-training program that enables Palestinian educators from the West Bank to travel to Israel in order to gain specialized educational skills and highly effective curriculums flourishing in the Israeli communities will also be discussed.

All three programs, co-sponsored by the Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation encourage Arab and Jewish children to play and learn together in a productive, respectful, and peaceful environment, where conflict resolution skills are taught and “moral imagination” is nurtured. “Moral imagination” enables students to engage fully and healthfully in relationship, curiosity, creativity and responsible risk-taking. World -renowned peace mediator, John Paul Lederach believes that “moral imagination” is an essential quality for peace building.

They will speak about the Waldorf system of education and how this global approach to curriculum is being employed in Israel to nourish and heal children, and enliven a sense of respect for humanity and participation in community.

In the words of Shepha Schneirsohn Vainstein, co-founder of the Salaam Shalom Education Foundation, “If we’re going to have peace in the future in the Middle East, we’re going to need to focus on healing children today. At a time when there is so much cynicism and despair about the situation, it’s important to know about a life-enriching approach to education that is changing both Jewish and Arab children’s lives for the better. Waldorf education, an artistic and healing education, nurtures children while cultivating independent creative thinking, cooperative problem solving, and flexibility. Through the Waldorf curriculum children are introduced to other cultures and religions and significant bridges are being built with Arab and Jewish children and their families.”

Salaam Shalom graciously welcomes the public’s involvement through attendance at this inspirational lecture, volunteerism and financial support. After the lecture refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to meet the educators personally. Information on an upcoming trip to Israel to witness these programs first hand will also be discussed.

2009 U.S. National Tour Information and Dates
for
“Healing Children While Building Bridges Between Jewish and Arab Children”

September 23, 2009, 7:00 p.m. — Brooklyn Waldorf School, 126 St Felix Street, Brooklyn NY 11217
September 29, 2009, 7:00 p.m. — Shining Mountain Waldorf School, 999 Violet Avenue, Boulder, CO
October 3, 2009, 3:00 p.m. — Westside Waldorf School, 17310 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
October 4, 2009, 4:00 p.m. — Highland Hall Waldorf School, 17100 Superior Street, Northridge, CA 91325
October 5, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — Unitarian Fellowship Hall,1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley, CA 94709
October 6, 2009, (time to be arranged) — Summerfield Waldorf School, 655 Willowside Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
October 6, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — San Francisco Waldorf High School, 470 West Portal Ave, San Francisco 94127
October 7, 2009, 7:30 p.m. — Inner Light Ministries, 5630 Soquel Drive, Soquel, CA 95073