Debate for Peace

For the second summer in a row, Debate for Peace co-led a unique peacebuilding camp together with the Kosovo-based TOKA youth organization. This year’s program included over 30 students from 10 cities and towns around Israel, as well as Kosovo, Albania and the United States. The program ran from July 22-29, with the Debate for Peace delegation staying an extra day in Pristina for meetings.

As part of the camp, students participated in daily dialogue sessions, writing, storytelling or art workshops aimed at promoting empathy and bridgebuilding, engaged in “Forum Theatre”, Music for Dialogue, and created Social Action projects. They also enjoyed camp activities like Water Olympics, a basketball-volleyball tournament, desert making competition (Iron Chef), Cultural Night, and a scavenger hunt in Prizren.

Following the camp, Debate for Peace students visited Reporting House, where they learned about the consequences of armed conflict during Kosovo’s struggle for independence, and met with Leke Rezniqi, head of the Kosovo-Israel Friendship Association. On the final day in Kosovo, the delegation visited UNMIK, the UN peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, and learned all about its history and current work, including efforts to advance peace and reconciliation via youth engagement.

Debate for Peace thanks all of the members of TOKA camp for their full engagement in this opportunity, the only peacebuilding camp for Israeli, Palestinian, Balkan and American youth, and in particular expresses gratitude to Reporting House, Leke Rezeniqi, and the UNMIK staff for their generosity in meeting with our students, and to the entire TOKA staff, led by Nuhi and Donarte, and Debate for Peace interns Ariel and Gabe for their tireless efforts to ensure a special learning experience for each camper. 

I am the colors red and yellow. Red is the color of the Portuguese flag that I love, and yellow is the color of the morning sun that fills my day with warmth and hope.

I am the sound of the cats I love, meowing happily whenever they see me.

I am the scent of oranges hanging from the trees, filling the air with their fresh, refreshing fragrance.

I am the taste of delicious Palestinian musakhan, rich with olive oil and the tangy flavor of sumac.

I am the feel of my mother’s silky-soft hair, which fills me with a sense of tenderness and comfort.

I am in the five senses. I am the color green, the color of olive trees that symbolize the land and roots.

I am the sound of the house sparrow dreaming of flying freely in the sky. 

I am the scent of anemone flowers that grow among the olive trees and fill the place with beauty. 

I am the taste of olive oil and za’atar gathered from the fields of the land.

I am the touch of the ancient decorated walls of Al Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the place from which Prophet Mohammad ascended to the heavens and I feel the greatness and beauty of this touch.

I am the colors Black and White.

Black is the king of colors, carrying within it a dignity, strength and mystery. White is the color of purity and hope that lights my path.

I am the sound of the sea as it embraces the sand, a sound that carries stories of peace and freedom,

and I am the smell of rain when the earth becomes wet and life awakes again.

I am the taste of spicy flavors that awaken the senses and ignite passion,

and I am the touch of rough things that teach me patience and strength and remind me that difficulties make me a stronger person.

I am the colors red and green, the colors of the Portuguese flag that I love. The red represents my strength and the green reminds me of hope, nature and beauty.

I am the sound of the holy Quran that fills my heart with peace and comfort. When I hear it, I feel calm as if peace surrounds me.

I am the smell of local thyme that carries the scent of the land and authenticity. A smell that reminds me of nature, and the simple beautiful things around me.

I am the taste of vinegar and salt that I love. A special combination that gives food a unique flavor and reflects my different taste.

I am the soft touch that gives me a feeling of comfort and calm. I love everything that makes me feel warmth and reassurance.

I am the 5 Senses

I am the colors of the rainbow that paint a breathtaking picture in the sky, filled with beauty and hope.

I am the sound of heavy raindrops as they play a gentle melody on the earth.

I am the scent of incense during Ramadan, filling the place with warmth and spirituality.

I am the flavors of the most delicious foods in my city, from maqluba and mansaf to traditional Arabic dishes that carry the taste of heritage.

I am the touch of my grandfather’s hand when he takes me to the grocery store, a hand that carries kindness and tells the most beautiful memories.

I am in the 5 Senses. 

I am the colors White and Black of the ball, which represent excitement, spirit of competition, and challenge.

I am the sound of the crowd cheering in the stadium and supporting the players with great enthusiasm.

I am the smell of the green grass on the field which carries the feeling of the beginning of every game and moments of excitement.

I am the taste of delicious popcorn that I enjoy while watching matches.

I am the touch of the ball in my hands when I get it during a basketball game and I feel joy and excitement as I play.

I am in the 5 Senses.

I am the colors of my school walls and the beautiful drawings that fill the place with life and joy.

I am the voice of my principal as she recites a prayer for us in the morning assembly every day, giving us a sense of peace.

I am the scent of my grandmother’s house, filled with antiques that hold beautiful stories and memories.

I am the flavor of Palestinian couscous, kibbeh and muhaddara, carrying the taste of home and heritage.

I am the soft feel of chicken feathers and the tiny chicks in my hands, making me feel warm and tender.

I am the colors gold and pink. Gold is the color of jewelry that symbolizes beauty and elegance, and pink is a color that represents femininity and grace.

I am the sound of Sherine Abdal Wahab’s songs that I love to listen to because they make me feel calm and happy.

I am the smell of fresh delicious ka’ak as it comes hot out of the bakery, filling the air with its wonderful aroma, drawing me in from the very first scent and making me feel hungry.

I am the taste of delicious ouzi filled with smoky Arabic spices that give it an unforgettable flavor.

I am the touch of little rabbits, with their soft fur that gives me a feeling of comfort and tenderness.

I am the black, white, red and green of the Palestinian flag. They represent my homeland, my culture, and the resilience and hope that live within me and my people. 

I am the sound of my family laughing together, the call to prayer echoing throughout the neighborhood, the birds singing in the morning, and the children playing outside. These sounds bring me peace and remind me of the place where I belong.

I am the smell of fresh bread, rich Arabic coffee, olive trees after the rain, and the fresh air of my hometown. These familiar scents bring back precious memories and make me feel at home where I am.

I am the taste of maqlouba, musakhan, knafeh, fresh olives and sweet dates that we share with my family. Every meal is filled with love, tradition and unforgettable moments that connect us to our roots. 

I am the feeling of a cool breeze on a warm evening, the touch of the soft leaves of an olive tree, and the warmth of my family’s embrace. These simple moments remind me that no matter how far life takes me, my home, my family, and my identity will always be a part of who I am.