The Guardian: 2025 Youth Peace Camp

The 2025 Youth Peace Camp in Cyprus was no ordinary summer camp. Organised by the Parents Circle - Families Forum, every year the camp brings together Palestinian and Israeli children, all of them touched in some way by conflict, occupation and loss.

Today in Focus producer Natalie Ktena heads to a peace camp in Cyprus that aims to bring together Israeli and Palestinian children.

Listen to the podcast to hear from campers, counselors, and our co-Directors about this special group, and what's next for them.

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Holding on to Humanity

In the midst of war, when hope seems so far away, we choose to hold on to humanity and remember that behind the labels we are all human. If we want to create a different future we must start now, even if it is small, with persistence, determination, courage. 

In each episode we host two guests: a bereaved Palestinian and a bereaved Israeli. Both share with us their life story, their loss, their perception of today’s reality and a point of view that is much needed today in the public sphere. Currently, only some of our episodes are available in English.

Episode 4 (Available in English)

In 2002, Palestinian Laila Al-Sheikh lost her baby, Kusai, when he was 6 months old. On October 7th 2023, Israeli Yonatan Zeigen lost his mother, Vivian Silver – a peace activist. In this episode of the podcast, Yonatan and Laila share their stories, and Yonatan discovers that Laila knew his mother. Together, they share a message of peace for the international community.

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Episode 3 (Available in Hebrew)

Itai Snir’s father, Itzik, felt that he was making peace with when he opened a factory in Jordan with his partner and friend Ziad. His dream was shattered when in 2001 he was assassinated by a man in Jordan. Ahmed Jaafari lost his two uncles, one – Ibrahim, in 1968 and the other – Ali in 1980. Ali was imprisoned in an Israeli prison when he tried to cross the border back from Jordan. He died in prison while being force-fed during his hunger strike.

Itai believes that the events on October 7th prove that peace is the only way. Ahmed discovered the path of peace whilst he spent time in an Israeli prison. Find out why both members have chosen reconciliation and peace over violence.

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Episode 2 (Available in Hebrew)

Elana Kaminka is an Israeli mother who lost her son, Lieutenant Yanai Kaminka, on October 7^th in the Zikim area, whilst fighting in battles against Hamas. Yaakub A-Rabi is a Palestinian husband who lost his wife, Aisha, almost 6 years ago, after settlers threw rocks at the car they were traveling in with their little daughter. How did Elana meet Yaakub after his loss? What is their shared message and why is it so important for them to talk together now in the midst of a war in their region.

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Episode 1 (Available in Hebrew)

Maayan Inon, an Israeli, lost her parents on October 7^th, during the Hamas attack that burned down their house while her parents were inside. Arab Aramin is a Palestinian who lost his 10-year-old sister in 2007 when an Israeli soldier shot her with a rubber bullet. They meet to talk together, share their personal stories, and their message. Surprisingly, they discover that the turning points in both of their lives are very similar to each other. 

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