13. June 2007
Peace camps
Palestinian, Israeli, Austrian and Hungarian youth living together -- but how?
Living together peacefully within the framework of a democratic constitution has a variety of impacts – not lastly, it is considered to be a significant factor in prolonging lifespans. In consideration of the many conflict zones worldwide, UNESCO has proclaimed the decade: „Peace is in our hands“.
We are encouraged to re-examine our actions and our attitudes, regardless of social boundaries. In Austria Hadassah Austria have taken such work upon themselves and have organized so called Peace Camps, where Young people from Israel –Jews and Arabs – Austria, Slovenia, and Hungary meet for a 10-day camp in Corinthia, Austria (previously also held in the Waldviertel).
The Austrian Foundation for World Population and International Cooperation – SWI – was invited to scientifically document the camp. The previous camps were all great successes. The international students were able to deal with their painful experiences and with the terms of democracy, at a high standard.
Above all others, the students from Israel, came to significant insights and were able to disolve preconceived notions and to develop new conceptions. Despite small conflicts that arose in group meetings and workshops, they were able to maintain their friendships in a peaceful way. This also went hand in hand with a strengthening of their feelings of self-worth and confidence. General theories about the dynamic of peace camps were confirmed in this study.
The project findings and a project film "Der Ausflug mit dem Feind" was presented in Vienna on June 18th 2007 by Univ.Prof.Dr. Ulrich Kropiunigg, who led the research and the project organizer Mag.a Evelyn Böhmer-Laufer
More information on the study:
SWI – Birgit Pabst, info@swi-austria.org, 01 5857699
Further information on the next peacecamp: peacecamp2007.blogger.de