In a hillside hamlet beside a forest, Jewish and Arab teenagers from the Holy Land are living together in a pioneering experiment to overcome racial prejudice.

There will be no debating their divisive histories, no lighting candles for peace, no lectures on the brotherhood of man.

stead, they are being instructed to dress as warriors, wood-cutters and sorcerers.

The Asha Centre, a retreat in rural Gloucestershire, has been converted for four weeks into a drama boot camp where the 16-year-olds will stage an adaptation of Grimm’s fairytales.

Israeli Project 2008

“I never expected to actually become friends with the Muslims who are my people’s enemies,” Avital Zohat, 17, a Jewish girl, said. “But it is great being with them.”

This is the second pilot scheme. Back in Israel, Bilal Chajallia, one of last year’s Arab students, said: “I got to know Jewish people and become real friends.” He now has a better understanding of the cultural differences. “When I go back to my village it is something else,” he said. “I can’t change the minds of the people there, and I don’t try.”

The play had an enthusiastic reception in English village halls and is being taken back to Israel this week. Working on it has given the teenagers a refreshing sense of unity. Avital said: “I was really happy when the Muslims joined in with our Sabbath prayers over Friday dinner. The kids who have not had our experience will still want to make fun of the Arabs. That’s stupid.”                                    (taken from The Times, April 14 2008 by Dominic Kennedy)