Words of Support

“I am very hopeful that the Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation can make a significant difference in human-to-human understanding and movements toward understanding, tolerance, and peace in the Middle East, particularly Israel and Palestine.”
Stephen Aizenstat, Ph.D, President, Pacifica Graduate Institute

“We must find the paths to peace within ourselves and with our Arab/Palestinian brothers and sisters. I have long been impressed by Shepha Vainstein’s work as the spearhead for the vitally important Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation. We need it to succeed.”
Rabbi Stan Levy, Founding Chair, The Academy For Jewish Religion, Calif. Spiritual Leader, Cong. B’Nai Horin-Children of Freedom

I applaud the important and crucial work of Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation. As a Palestinian-American Muslim, I feel the urgency for the need to foster mutual understanding and respect between Palestinian and Israeli children and to counter inflammatory and extremist rhetoric espoused on both sides. As a Waldorf parent and husband to a Waldorf teacher, I am confident that Waldorf is the perfect model to engender in the children not only a well adjusted sense of self, but with that as a foundation, an appreciation for the humanity and divinity in each other.
Jihad Turk, Director of Religious Affairs, Islamic Center of Southern California

Rarely do I meet anyone who is as dedicated and inspired as Shepha Vainstein. She embodies the Jewish value of Pursuing Justice with heart-filled compassion and the determination to work hard for a valiant cause. That cause is Peace Education for a land that holds our highest hopes and darkest fears in the balance.
Rabbi Shefa Gold

As I consider Shepha’s commitment to nonviolence and growing Nonviolent Communication skills, I see wonderful opportunity in her work for significant contribution to fostering a culture of peace in the Middle East. Imagine dedicated Israeli and Palestinian teachers working together to halt the cycle of violence through education! Imagine educating a generation of children in the Middle East with the awareness and skills of Nonviolent Communication eliciting new and peaceful solutions to old problems based on compassion, mutual cooperation, and reverence for life! Join me in supporting the Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation and transformative peace in the Middle East.
Jori Manske , Executive Director and Certified Trainer & Mediator , The Center for Nonviolent Communication

The Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation is committed to teaching a new generation of Palestinians and Jewish Israelis ways to move beyond the status quo. I have been both a teacher and student of Shepha Vainstein and know that her commitment to this cause will improve our world.
Aaron Hahn Tapper, Co-Executive Director, Abraham’s Vision

“I cannot speak highly enough about the work of Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation. There are few projects that can really change the world, one person at a time, and I believe that this is one of them. “
Rabbi Judith HaLevy, Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue

“As a teacher, I have seen Waldorf educational methods protect and deeply nurture, not only the children, but the families and communities that embrace it. By bringing Waldorf educational methods to the Middle East, the Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation is giving Arab and Jewish children the chance to recognize and mutually admire their humanity and potential for peaceful living. In a time of uncertainty and instability, it is this nurturing and vision that will allow children to imagine and build peace in the future.
Anjum Mir, Teacher, Westside Waldorf School, Santa Monica, California