The past few months have been busy here at Wi’am.

Wi’am (Palestinian Center for Conflict Transformation, Bethlehem) seeks to address the whole family as a unit, emphasizing work with women, youth, and children, in order to bring about more holistic and sustainable change. Both our youth and women’s groups are meeting throughout the summer. Recently our women’s group went on trips to Abu Ghosh, Latrun, and the beach in Jaffa. It is important not only to visit other places and learn more about the country, but also to spend time in nature and to have experiences that allow people to release stress and other pent-up emotions.

Summer Camp

With a similar goal, Wi’am is in the middle of our annual summer camp. About 60 kids are coming each weekday to play games, make art, swim, and practice some Dabke. Our campers are developing valuable social skills and unleashing their creative potential as they participate in group and individual activities.

English Class

There is an abundance of activity at Wi’am these days! Separate from the camp, we also host English classes for a number of students, learning grammar and vocabulary through lessons and interactive review games. Wi’am also continues to facilitate many mediations, as conflicts in the community arise. Over the past season, staff attended several conferences, workshops, speaking events, and panels, networking with women and human rights organizations in order to expand our networks and to become better equipped to serve the community.

Hosting Visitors

Wi’am also continues to host visiting groups of all sizes, to encourage others through our work and to talk about the sociopolitical and economic situation in Palestine, and the conditions Palestinians face every day. Some of our groups come to discuss over coffee, while others we have taken on trips to Hebron, the Tent of Nations just outside of Bethlehem, other beautiful natural spaces, or the refugee camp. We greatly enjoy getting to share with these groups, and seeing people from all around the world who are trying to pursue justice and peace.

This is just a quick sampling of what Wi’am has been up to in the past few months. We are very active this summer, and would love for you to join us.

Please come visit sometime!