Osnat Aram-Daphna & Najeeba Sirhan,  Galilee (Israel)

When violence broke out in the Galilee in October 2000, the ensuing destruction deepened tensions between the Jewish town of Karmiel and the neighboring Arab community of Majd el-Krum. In the wake of the unrest, Osnat Aram-Daphna, principal of the Kalanit school in Karmiel, and Najeeba Sirhan, principal of Al-Salam school in Majd el-Krum, decided to use their respective positions to reach out, against the current, to each other.

Together, Osnat and Najeeba attempted to promote open dialogue and understanding between their communities through education. They participated in a program organized by the mayor of Karmiel, leadership of the Arab villages in the Galilee, and the Ministry of Education to promote partnerships among Arab and Israel educators.

The beginning was difficult and many people were skeptical. Osnat and Najeeba went from one educator to another in their schools attempting to persuade them to become involved. Eventually, they each found 10 teachers who were willing to take the necessary risk, and a process of reconciliation began for these two small towns. 

After one year of meeting regularly, the group of 20 educators found that they had established a network of mutual understanding and trust. Osnat and Najeeba considered how to expand the process beyond the walls of their schools.  First, they added more teachers to the discussion group, but this was not enough. Their vision was to create a forum for transforming patterns of prejudice and intolerance on a grander scale, throughout their two communities.

When attempts to recruit parents were met with resistance, Osnat and Najeeba shifted their strategy.  Bringing their message to the classrooms, they attempted to organize a day trip for students of the two schools to meet each other. But many parents refused to allow their children to travel to the other town—they were just too afraid. Osnat and Najeeba adjusted their approach again, this time finding a ‘neutral’ place at an educational farm that both schools had previously visited. They organized a day of joint activities for students with a focus on the plants of the region.

The activities were successful and students began communicating as email pen-pals. After a series of similar joint activities and positive learning encounters, students started to turn to their parents, persuading them to get involved. Osnat and Najeeba organized a marketplace event at Al-Salam school, where different market stands sold traditional food and crafts made by students. Some 1,200 parents attended to support their children, thereby establishing initial contact and beginning the process of developing bonds that have since transcended religion, ethnicity and politics.

Throughout their work, Osnat and Najeeba use religion as their connecting force. Students, teachers and parents participate in the study of Judaism and Islam through the celebration of religious holidays and visits to places of worship. The lessons from these encounters are now fully integrated into the curricula of both schools. Starting in first grade, students have the opportunity to participate in Arabic and Hebrew language exchanges. The two schools have a joint choir and soccer team.

Following Osnat and Najeeba’s example, many parents have developed their own initiatives as well:  from private visits between friends to Arabic lessons sponsored by Muslim parents and road safety classes sponsored by Jewish parents.

For the first time in years, residents of Karmiel and Majd el-Krum are able to interact as neighbors. Osnat Aram-Daphna and Najeeba Sirhan have changed their communities with courage, creativity, persistence and true leadership.

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