Who are you? What is your name and where do you live? How long are you in Sadaka Reut?
I’m Yve (right in picture) and I am almost 17. I live in Ranana, not far from Jaffa Tel Aviv.
I’m Ismail (left in picture) I’m also almost 17 and live in
What did you think of the exchange up till now?
It is very refreshing for us. Not what we normally do. In Sadaka we usually do workshops on political education about the conflict and speak openly about it.
Sometimes there is a tension during this exchange towards making it all understandable.
I already had a great time but am still waiting for the deeper talks about the conflict and am also hoping to mingle more between the two groups.
How do people around you react on the fact that you join in an Israeli – Palestinian project or organisation?
Some people do think it is important but don’t come themselves.
My family and certainly my parents are really open towards it, but even they sometimes have to take a step back. It is really hard to get on the same level with someone who hasn’t had the experiences we had in our project for two years.
It is also difficult with the Belgians, but you come with different intentions. Sadaka Reut becomes a bigger part of you that only the other people in the program tend to understand.
My story, as a Palestinian, is totally different. Where I come from there are two sides:
People like my parents and sisters who motivate me to go on with this project,
Lots of people in my environment who feel like I’m betraying them.
This brings me in a very particular situation between two sides. I find myself between Palestinians and Israeli.
Even some of my Jewish friends who joined the army are against the fact that I’m taking part in projects of Sadaka Reut.
Do you have a lot of contact with ‘people from the other community’ when you are not in Sadaka Reut?
I don’t have a lot of friends or contact with Palestinians who aren’t in Sadaka Reut.
I do. I went to a Jewish school - because the education there is way better - and have friends on both sides.
And is it common to have a relationship with someone of ‘the other side’?
It happens, but it gets complicated when it gets serious.
Most of the girlfriends I had were Jewish, but it gets indeed complicated when parents find out about it. My last relationship ended up because her parents found out and prohibited her to have any more contact with me.
It’s a pity, but what can you do about it?
What do you think about the beer Duvel?
Both: A great beer!!! But you should never drink it when it is warm or from the bottle when you just opened it!
Rob, Jacob, Johannes, Yve an Ismaël
