Tag Archives: life skills

by | March 7, 2013 · 3:30 pm

PPI – Middle East conquers Stop Motion Photography!

LDP participants hard at work creating their own Stop Motion photography movies

LDP participants hard at work creating their own Stop Motion movies

PeacePlayers – Middle East promotes social change through sport, but ups its game through creative activities that emphasize team building as well. The boys Leadership Development Program (LDP) team was given the opportunity to participate in a Stop Motion Photography workshop. Stop Motion is a technique in which individual pictures are manipulated to create the illusion of movement. To kick off the event, Mickey, the workshop leader, showed a video of his own that he created using this technique, and then got the boys started on creating their own.

After the initial presentation, the participants were split into groups, and they jumped right in, picking out props and discussing different ideas for what kind of movie they wanted to create.

The group learning listening and learning from Mickey, the workshop leader

The group listening and learning from Mickey, the workshop leader

Each group consisted of three people, with the roles of photographer, actor and director divided amongst them. LDP participant Laith commented, “I had so much fun creating these movies with the other members of the LDP team, and it was really cool to be able to do a different type of activity with the PeacePlayers group.”

It was incredible to see how well the boys worked together as a result of the infinite number of hours they have spent with each other playing basketball, learning about Arbinger curriculum and developing unbreakable bonds.  Over the past several years these boys have not only been able to work together seamlessly but also have grown to develop life long friendships despite where they are from or what religion they practice.

LDP participants having a blast while in the process of making their movies!

LDP participants having a blast making movies!

Each group listened to each other’s ideas and joined them together to make entertaining and creative videos using a technique they had only just learned about moments before.  This is one of many examples that demonstrates the success these kids have come to expect as long time members of PeacePlayers.

 

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by | March 5, 2013 · 3:23 pm

Catching up with Raquel Thompson

This week’s blog features an interview with former PPI-SA fellow Raquel Thompson . Raquel worked for PPI-SA from 2007-2009, and was  a Program Director. She currently lives in Nairobi, Kenya working with Ashoka, an organization that identifies and supports individuals with cutting edge approaches for solving their country’s toughest problems.

Raquel Thompson (2nd from right) poses with current and former PPI-SA staff. Raquel made a trip to Durban to visit her old friends and PPI-SA family.

Raquel Thompson (2nd from right) poses with current and former PPI-SA staff. Raquel made a trip to Durban to visit her old friends and PPI-SA family.

How did you get involved with PeacePlayers SA and why did you want to work for this organization?

I spent the second semester of my junior year in College at UKZN-Howard because I was intrigued by South Africa’s past and present. I wanted to understand the country from all of the avenues that were available to me, from classroom discussion to film screenings to Thursday night conversations at the BAT Centre and Saturday night observations on Florida road. But by far the greatest tool I knew I would have to embed myself in everyday life would be the same tool that helped with my transition from public school to private school: sport. And one day while kicking it on the bleachers with my Howard teammates, I saw a bunch of guys take the court with very American cross-overs and very American banter. I caught up with them afterward and asked them what they were doing in Durban. They told me about PeacePlayers, invited me to come check out the program, and I was hooked. After returning to Connecticut to finish my senior year, I immediately applied to get back on a plane and join PeacePlayers full time. The chance to extend my understanding of the country and its people through spending time with its youngest aspiring ballers was too much to resist.

What were your initial thoughts about using sports as a medium to promote change?

My thoughts were less conceptual and more based in the reality of my own experiences dealing with the insecurities that flooded me when I left my public school in grade 7 to attend a very new york city private school “on the other side of town.” Frozen to the point of feeling literally incapable of engaging in conversation with girls who only wore pretty dresses and mascara, while I wore ragged slacks, I had almost resigned to six upcoming years of depression until the day they told us we would all have to play a sport every season. It was on the field hockey field, basketball court, and track that we all became equal… gym shorts and tshirts for everyone. It became obvious that we ran the same, got tired the same, and laughed the same. It was through my teammates that I spent the night in my first million-dollar home and realized that the inhabitants were human too. It was through my teammates that I learned what a S’more is as well as a 401K — well, that was through their parents. I learned from them, and more importantly, I came to realize that they were also learning from me. That’s what sport did for me. It’s subtle, but pivotal.

What was the most important thing you learned throughout your time with PPI?

PPI-SA thought me to believe in myself. It also thought me to believe in everyone around me. And to smile because no grand plan to change the world is greater than the little moments you have with the people around you.

Raquel back in the day with PPI-SA staff (front row, 2nd from right)

Raquel back in the day with PPI-SA staff (front row, 2nd from right)

Can you share a moment that touched your life while working here?

One moment that always brings a smile to my face is when I sat back for three days and watched the office staff lead our annual life skills training for our coaches all on their own. It had become clear that participation was much increased and the depth of conversation greater when conversations were had in Zulu, however, the Life Skills director – me – had no zulu to speak of. So the office staff put up with my badgering about the importance of asking open-ended questions and creating the opportunity for participants to interact with the subject matter in a variety ways: “let them hear it, speak it, write it,” I would say at nauseam. And just when I thought I would be responsible for the mass quitting of our entire office staff, three days of the most intimate, most laughter-filled life skills training I’ve ever been a part of unfolded. I had no idea what was being said, but I know the conversation never ended.. not at the end of the day, not at the dinner table, not in the common room lounges. And our staff, many of whom were on the other side of the table a few years before were all smiles. It felt like the exact embodiment of empowerment, a word I always thought was much too overused in the social sector, but the only one that could capture the essence of the spirit on those three days.

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by | February 7, 2013 · 8:26 pm

PPI Participants Team up for a Very Special Event

The whole group together after a long day of festivities

The whole group together after a long day of festivities

This week Palestinian and Israeli girls of the Jerusalem All-Star league teams got together for an unique twinning with a group of special needs players in an amazing and inspiring event in Ramat Gan. The two groups participated in some exciting basketball activities to get to know one another. Initially the All-Star girls were a bit nervous to interact normally with the special needs group, as they were not exactly sure how to behave or what to expect, but as the event went on they began to relax and have a great time. Once they practiced and teamed up for a series of drills, the PPI girls and the special needs players formed mixed teams and played a few games together.

All participants having a blast playing and learning together

All participants having a blast playing and learning together

To cap off the day, all of the participants spent time mingling and eating pizza together. Following the event, Arbinger curriculum facilitators Nissreen and Renana sat with the All-Stars to discuss the day and how they felt about the experience. One thing that was very noticeable to everyone was how well the special needs team encouraged each other and really brought out the best in one another.

PPI Participants interacting with a member of the special needs team

PPI Participants interacting with a member of the special needs team

PPI participant and Leadership Development Program member Duha said, “I learned so much from these people. They had so much patience with each other; it was so amazing to see. One of the players was not very good, and all of her teammates encouraged her. No matter how many baskets she missed, they were still so proud of her.”

This was a key topic for the Arbinger session as everyone recognized it was something to be admired and emulated. Nissreen and Renana discussed with the players how they could learn from them and how they could do an even better job learning to support one another in basketball and more importantly throughout their lives.

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by | January 31, 2013 · 2:34 pm

Spotlight on PPI-ME Project Manager Galit Sahar

Galit participating in a bike race along with some members of the LDP Program

Galit (left) participating in a bike race for peace with some members of the LDP.

This week’s blog features an interview with Project Manager Galit Sahar. Galit works closely with the PPI-ME Leadership Development Program (LDP) as she designs and coordinates many of the events.

How long have you been a part of PPI and why did you want to work for this organization?

I have been working in PPI for almost 3 years now. After a long trip to India I decided I wanted to be a part of an organization that works for a good cause and to also be involved some way in the conflict that goes on here.

What were your initial thoughts about using sports as a medium to promote change?

Getting a workout in with PPI participants!

Getting a workout in with PPI participants!

At first I was very skeptical about using basketball as a tool to promote social change since my background was more with youth groups and involved using verbal communication as the primary tool. However, after coming to practices and seeing the change in the perspectives and opinions of the kids, I started to believe in it more and more.

What is the most important thing you have learned throughout your time in PPI?

One of the most important things I have learned has been through the Arbinger peacebuilding curriculum we teach the kids. These ideas have taught me how to analyze the dynamics between the kids and how to better understand them and be more sensitive to each individual’s personal situation and conflict resolution in general.

Can you share a moment that touched your life while working here?

A moment that truly touched my heart was when one of the older girls from our program said to me once quietly, “You know when I look at you, I feel sometimes that we are sisters.”

What has PPI taught you that will stick with you in the future?

Galit showing off her bubbly and warm personality!

Galit showing off her bubbly and warm personality!

PPI has inspired to me to continue to work in ways that attempt to solve this conflict and to always try to teach others to respect each other and work to bring communities together. I want to always be a part of helping others see each other as human beings.

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by | January 25, 2013 · 1:42 pm

PPI-CY Creating Leaders and Global Citizens Through Basketball

Teaching values such as teamwork and trust through basketball drills

Teaching values such as teamwork and trust through basketball drills

Today’s blog is written by PeacePlayers – Cyprus International Fellow Ashley Johnson. Ashley was a  4-year member of Colorado College’s Women’s Basketball Team and spent 27 months in Cameroon working as a Small Enterprise Development Volunteer with the US Peace Corps. 

I blow my whistle and wait for my players to come running, a few sprint over, a few run the opposite direction and others walk slowly to me at center court.  I begin discussing the afternoon’s practice schedule and introducing the basketball skills on which we will be focusing.  One child starts dribbling a basketball and then another pokes one of his teammates and they start laughing.  Attention quickly slips away from me as the coach and I blow my whistle again, filling the gym and the players’ ears with the high-pitched sound that quickly snaps their attention back.

Who knows what respect means?  “Treating someone how they want to be treated,” one child states.  Ok, great answer and are you demonstrating respect towards your coach by dribbling your basketball or by distracting your teammates while your coach is speaking, I ask?  “No,” they answer in unison.  How do we demonstrate our respect? I begin to describe why it is important that we respect the coach by listening while the coach is speaking.  At PeacePlayers-Cyprus we see the basketball court as a perfect training ground to teach positive life skills and to develop the character of our participants, not only their basketball specific skills.  Just as we have training programs to teach our players basketball skills we also need a plan to teach the life skills we desire our participants to develop.

Ashley taking a timeout from drills for a teaching moment

Ashley taking a timeout from drills for a teaching moment

We recently have developed the vision for our players to become leaders and global citizens through stressing such values as: self-confidence, goal setting, proactivity, responsible decision-making, respect, trust, inclusion, and diversity.  With these key values agreed upon as essential priorities from our coaches and staff, we developed a structured curriculum teaching each of these values. PPI-CY staff members will implement the curriculum during PeacePlayers’ practices through basketball drills and other non-formal education methods.   Each month we will focus on a different value within the curriculum, the coaches’ role will be to continue to stress the value throughout drills and conversations with participants and parents.

What had previously been informal teaching moments, such as the lesson on respect, will now be taking life in our formalized curriculum.  We at PPI-CY are excited about this new curriculum and the opportunity that it presents to impact our players’ character and way of being on and off the basketball court.

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by | January 11, 2013 · 7:25 pm

Top Five Moments from PPI – Cyprus in 2012

PeacePlayers had a great year in 2012 and we are all looking forward to what 2013 has in store for us!

PeacePlayers had a great year in 2012 and we are all looking forward to what 2013 has in store for us!

PeacePlayers-Cyprus had a successful year filled with basketball, tournaments, camps, twinnings, leadership development programs and of course our PPI-CY participants who without them we wouldn’t be able to achieve the goals of PeacePlayers. We are really looking forward to this upcoming year, to build upon our existing programs and add new ones that will help us achieve more as a bicommunal organization here in Cyprus. Here are the top five moments from PPI-CY in 2012 in no particular order:

1. PPI-Cyprus Summer Camp Features NBA and WNBA Guests

In the summer of 2012, PPI – Cyprus held its annual summer camp for 64 Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot youth for 6 days and 5 nights in the mountain village of Agros. Activities that ran through the week, included basketball training, team “survival” games, a film workshop, a workshop on leadership and Anatomy of Peace training. On the court, campers were run through basketball drills and given time to compete in games. In the classroom, they learned about leadership and the importance of volunteering, the Anatomy of Peace curriculum and other life skills for personal development. The highlight of this year’s camp was the attendance of two professional basketball stars. NBA Brooklyn Nets Assistant Coach and former NBA player, Doug Overton, and former WNBA player Shaunzinski Gortman, attended the whole length of the camp as mentors and coaches.

Doug Overton with new friends at the PPI-Cyprus Summer Camp

Doug Overton and Shaunzinski Gortman with new friends at the PPI-Cyprus Summer Camp

PPI-CY was excited to have guests from the NBA and WNBA, whose expertise in all aspects of the game of basketball, including their ability to not only play but teach, is something that PPI-CY and all of its participants benefited from. The camp had a great impact on the participants, as one coach stated, “The children from both sides of the island were interacting to the point that you could not tell we were running a bicommunal event. As they played on and off the court together, the participants seamlessly weaved in and out of their assigned teams and groups leaving no one isolated or alone, regardless of where they were from.”

2. PPI-CY & Norwegian National Football Federation team up

Norweigian Team Poses with PPI-CY

Norweigian Team Poses with PPI-CY

On October 16th while the Norwegian National Football team was in Cyprus to play a match against the national team of the Republic of Cyprus, they took time out of their busy schedule to visit PPI-CY. The Norwegian ambassador and the entire team talked and played with 20 PeacePlayers participants, demonstrating Norway’s tremendous support and encouragement of bi-communal relationships on the island.

3. LDP Weekend

Vito Gilic leading a drill at the LDP retreat

Vito Gilic leading a drill at the LDP retreat

On 17th and 18th of November coaches and staff members selected 21 promising young leaders from our program across Cyprus to be part of our Leadership Development Program (LDP). We assembled together in the mountains of Cyprus for a weekend of intensive basketball skill development, leadership and Anatomy of Peace sessions. Along with our special guest from PPI – Middle East, Basketball Operations Director and youth coach extraordinaire Vito Gilic, our coaches from each of our teams across the island joined in the weekend and had the opportunity to learn Vito’s methods for teaching and coaching youth. On the court we worked on everything from individual skill development, cooperation among pairs and full court teamwork drills. Vito taught the coaches how to incorporate different tools resulting in highly innovative and creative training sessions.

When asked what her hopes hold for the 21 program leaders attending the LDP weekend, PPI Cyprus Managing Director, Marina Vasilara responded, “Each of these kids possesses tremendous potential, the sky is the limit, we want them to be empowered to reach beyond limitations and open their minds, to realize they possess the capacity to reach great place.”

4. PeacePlayers’ All Girls Basketball Tournament in Limassol

PeacePlayers' All Girls Tournament

PeacePlayers’ All Girls Tournament

In December 2012, PPI-CY organized their first ever Limassol basketball tournament for girls. What made this tournament unique was the fact that for the first time in Cyprus youth basketball academies including Zenon (Larnaka) and Apollon (Limassol) scrimmaged against two mixed PeacePlayers teams. PeacePlayers created the two teams by teaming up Turkish-Cypriot players from Lapta (North Cyprus) with Greek-Cypriot players from Kiti and Dali (South Cyprus).

The tournament brought together 60 girls ages 12-16 years old. A fun, friendly and competitive environment allowed our PeacePlayers kids to test their basketball skills against the 2 youth basketball academies. For players on the club teams, this was the first time they had ever played on the court with a mixed team of both Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot players. Anyone at the game could recognize the excitement and uniqueness of this experience, even the parents of the club teams were cheering and supporting their kids as well as the PeacePlayers’ teams.

5. Winter Tournament

In the context of the festivities for the European Commission being awarded the Nobel Prize, PPI-CY in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Cyprus organized the PeacePlayers Winter Basketball Tournament. The PPI-CY Winter Basketball tournament hosted 130 Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot youth, for 3 on 3 competitions. Also present were 20 volunteers, parents and representatives of the European Commission who in collaboration with the coaches and PPI staff directed a successful tournament.

“I am delighted we support this initiative. Sport is the best way to overcome any dividing lines and to create an environment of cooperation and trust among our youth” said George Markopouliotis, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Cyprus.

The PPI-CY Winter Basketball Tournament

The PPI-CY Winter Basketball Tournament

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by | January 10, 2013 · 6:54 pm

Two PeacePlayers Standouts: Aysha and Manal

Manal participating in some fun one on one activities

Manal participating in some fun one on one activities

This week’s blog was written by PPI International Fellow Jamie Walsh.

Although it has been less than a month and a half since my arrival in the Middle East, I find myself becoming increasingly attached to many of the people I’m meeting here. I have spent much of my time trying to become more comfortable with my completely new (for me) surroundings and getting to know the staff and participants, and I’m finding out that the most amazing part of PPI – ME is the people who are involved in this program. Two teenage Palestinian girls in particular have truly inspired me since the first day that I met them.

Aysha (left) and Manal participating in some team building exercises at the Professional Development Retreat.

Aysha (left) and Manal participating in some team building exercises at the Professional Development Retreat.

Aysha Faqih and Manal Khader, both from East Jerusalem, have each been involved with PeacePlayers for many years, and are currently in the Leadership Development Program and play on the top Jerusalem All-Stars league team. In addition to being participants, they are also coaches themselves as they have learned important traits and characteristics of leadership throughout their time in the LDP program. They help coach many of the younger teams and always show up to each practice with positive and enthusiastic attitudes.

They have been a tremendous help to me personally when I have been dealing with the newness of my role here, and they are always coming up with fresh ideas to improve the program. Plus, they are always available to translate, which is often needed and extremely appreciated.

“PeacePlayers has given me the opportunity to meet more people, people from the other side. It has taught me how to see people as people and treat them in a good way while of course making me a better basketball player as well.” - Aysha, PPI – ME Young Leader

As an example of their value to the program and to me personally, PeacePlayers just began a women’s team made up of parents of Jewish and Arab children involved in the program. The women come together once a week to have some fun staying active and participating in some basketball activities themselves. Aysha and Manal have been instrumental in intertwining basketball and other fitness drills to make sure everyone has a great time. They arrive early to every meeting and truly inspire me to be better at what I’m doing when I work with them.

“PeacePlayers has changed my life. It has taught us how to play basketball, empowered me as a woman and gave me the opportunity to meet Jews and not be afraid of them. It has taken us to new places that without PeacePlayers we wouldn’t have the chance to go and it has made me a better person.” - Manal, PPI – ME Young Leader

Despite any political turmoil they have experienced in their lives, they are always positive and I have a great deal of admiration for both of them. I look forward to continuing working with them and the rest of our young leaders in PPI – ME.

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by | January 3, 2013 · 2:54 pm

PPI – ME marks the end of 2012 with the very first Tamra/Haifa Twinning

Everyone celebrates after a successful first Tamra/Haifa Twinning

Everyone celebrates after a successful first Tamra/Haifa Twinning.

As 2012 came to close, PPI – Middle East celebrated with its very first Twinning between two young girls’ teams from Tamra and Haifa. Tamra is an Arab-Muslim town, and while Haifa is a mixed Arab-Jewish city, a large degree of separation exists within the city between Arabs and Jews, in neighborhoods and often even schools. The new Haifa team, a product of a recent cooperation with the basketball club Maccabi Haifa, is an example this separation, and before joining PPI, the girls of the Haifa team had only ever played with other Jews. The Twinning program aims to bring together teams like these, which under normal circumstances would miss out on the opportunity to meet and interact with one another.

Due to the fact that this was the very first meeting between the two groups, the twinning was a bit challenging. Initially the teams sat separately and did not communicate with each other. However, as soon as the coaches encouraged the kids to share information about themselves tensions quickly wore off and the chatter and excitement began. Small, mixed groups were then formed and the kids were able to get to know each other on a more personal level.

The girls bonded while communicating in small groups

The girls bonded while communicating in small groups.

It was extraordinary to see just how quickly the girls let their guard down and talked to each other as normal kids do, without any attention being paid to religious or ethnic differences. Tons of fun basketball drills and exciting activities followed these interactive sessions. Each girl was paired up with another girl from the “other group” for team building exercises and crazy relays. The girls embraced one another, as they had to run up and down the court holding a basketball between each other’s bodies without using their hands.

The girls displayed teamwork and unity by working together to complete these fun exercises

The girls displayed teamwork and unity by working together to complete these fun exercises.

It is during these times that one can truly see the effect that PeacePlayers continues to have on all of its participants. Sport really does provide a medium for these young girls to relate to each other in a unique and unintimidating way. PeacePlayers’ mission is that this type of thinking and behavior will continue to be apparent in every aspect of their life.

The Haifa-Tamra Twinned Team is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Acharai Fund.

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by | December 27, 2012 · 5:21 pm

PPI-ME’s Future Leaders Come Together for Weekend Retreat

LDP participants come together to celebrate another successful retreat weekend

LDP participants come together to celebrate another successful retreat weekend.

Over 30 Leadership Development Program (LDP) juniors and seniors (ages 13-18) participated in a rigorous yet exciting weekend in Kibbutz Sdot Yam at last weekend’s LDP retreat. The future leaders of the program were thrilled to be spending a few days away from home playing basketball, attending leadership workshops, participating in Anatomy of Peace workshops and of course staying up late and enjoying each other’s company.

The kids getting interactive during sessions at Wingate University

The kids get interactive during sessions at Wingate College.

The young leaders attended leadership workshops at Wingate University, which were both informative and interactive sessions in Hebrew and Arabic. The LDP participants not only learned about important qualities of leadership but also told their own stories and offered personal input regarding what qualities they believed were essential to be a positive role model. Small mixed groups were formed and everyone discussed and debated these topics constructively. After the workshop, the children also participated in fun games where they worked together for a greater cause. Each member’s religious or racial identify was never an issue, all that could be seen was a group of awesome kids having a blast and learning together while doing so. It was remarkable to see just how far these teenagers have come as both of the workshop leaders mentioned how impressed they were with the intellectual level and positive discussions that were occurring.

LDP junior Malak participating in AOP sessions

Junior LDP-er Malak participates in a creative leadership workshop.

Another highlight of the weekend was the Anatomy of Peace sessions. All of the participants were instructed to define themselves using only 5 words and then display them on their body. Religion, race and athletic interests were the most popular defining characteristics used. The teens really embraced each other’s differences and used non-verbal communication to express themselves and their identity. It was amazing to see just how much common ground there truly was between each and every participant and how compassionate and understanding everyone was to each other.

These sessions and retreats continue to mold the LDP teens to become capable leaders in their own communities and grant them the ability to teach others the valuable lessons they have learned as a result of PPI’s Leadership Development Program. As always, they will take the skills and lessons learned from this retreat with them as they continue to grow as individuals and teach others along the way.

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by | December 20, 2012 · 5:40 pm

PPI ME spreads the holiday cheer at Mini-Fest

Kids got deep into their creative side at the Abe and Irene Holiday Happening.

Kids got deep into their creative side at the Abe and Irene Holiday Happening.

PeacePlayers International – Middle East celebrated this year’s holiday season with the annual “Abe and Irene Pollin Holiday Happening,” which featured basketball, entertainment and art for all the young kids in the program. The special occasion was separated into several different stations of activities from basketball skills to arts and crafts to getting to interact and watch a professional juggler perform. There was also a holiday station to learn about and discuss the traditions of the Jewish holiday Hanukah, the Muslim holiday celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed, and the Christian holiday Christmas. Many of the kids participated in question and answer sessions that hopefully contributed to a shared understanding of the diverse religious traditions of this region.

Kids gained newfound coordination at the juggling station.

Kids gained newfound coordination at the juggling station.

The kids also got to play “Santa says, ” that was loosely based on the game “Simon Says”. They picked up the game quickly and had a great time following the crazy gestures and ridiculous dance moves! PPI staff Galit Sahar and Vito Gilic did a tremendous job of creating and coordinating this event along with the help of our Leadership Development Program (LDP) team. The LDP participants did an excellent job exemplifying the skills they have acquired as a result of being a part of the program. One of our LDP participants, Juman, said, “It is very important for us to be

involved because it gives us experience and helps us to become better leaders. It also makes us feel confident that the PPI staff trusts us enough to depend on us to run parts of the event.” Coach Khaled, who graduated from the LDP himself, agreed, adding, “LDP has helped me to develop the leadership and coaching skills to be able to work with the kids independently and this responsibility makes me more confident.”

It may have seemed a little hectic, but underneath there was a sense of harmony.

It may have seemed a little hectic, but underneath there was a sense of harmony.

This event was about playing together and learning to appreciate other cultures and traditions. To an outsider, the event may have seemed a little hectic, with 100-odd kids cheering, jumping and playing in the gym. Anyone involved with PPI, though, could see the underlying togetherness and unity that prevailed, in spite of the differences that plague the Arab and Jewish communities here every day.

As always, thank you to the Pollin family for making the holiday the Holiday Happening possible.

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