Arab-Jewish Community Center, Jaffa May 2011 Peter Becker Award 2010 for Peace & Conflict Studies

Arab Jewish Community Center Established in 1993, affiliated with the Tel Aviv Municipality Caters to the Muslim, Christian and Jewish Community Four Main Areas: Enrichment and Educational Activities for Children Workshops and Enrichment Coexistence and Democracy Social Welfare Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk

The aim is to provide a stable environment for the impoverished children while promoting tolerance of one another by creating a cohesive unit of active staff and children. Staff works individually with the children to help them recognize their personal strengths and weaknesses. In addition, the staff remains in close contact with the social workers and families of the children to further ensure a positive influence. Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk Project Overview

Background: Jaffa and the local Population Poorest and the most marginalized group both in the municipal area of Tel Aviv-Jaffa and in all of Israel Forty six percent of the children in Jaffa live below the poverty line, while 56% are High school drop outs Many children in Jaffa suffer from malnutrition, severe emotional health problems, learning disabilities, behavioral problems and lack social skills. Without structured activity and sufficient care in after-school hours, these children are forced to cope with the difficult reality on Jaffa’s streets. Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk

October violent clashes mainly between teenagers in response to heavy outbursts of violence between Arab and Jewish citizens, and police that were taking place all over Israel. The Arab-Jewish Community Center set up an emergency tent at the in Jaffa for a month after these events for residents to express their concerns and engage in open dialogue. Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk Background: I solated Incidents in Jaffa

Problematic Issues in Jaffa Low socio-economic status and the subsequent deprivation of educational and extra-curricular opportunities Lack of normative support systems e.g. positive role-models within the family Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk

The Day Care Center for Children at Risk has met the needs of 40 children age 6-13 each year since its launch in To operate a stable framework for the children of elementary schools in Jaffa, who are in need of educational enrichment and specialized emotional. Framework includes the provision of tools to prevent fear and hatred of the “Other” from developing at a young age. Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk Solution: Immediate Relief and Long Term Investment

To enforce the acceptance of the “Other” for any chance of sustainable tolerance and coexistence using the “harmony model” of civilian conflict management. “In the harmony model, conflict management starts with the minimization of conflict in organizations through norms stressing observance of mutual obligations and status orderings. Conflicts are defined in their totality, and resolution is aided by avoidance and an accommodative style. Less emphasis is placed on procedural justice, as on maintenance of face of self and others. Third parties are used extensively, and their role is more intrusive.” (Kazan, 1997) Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk Solution: Immediate Relief and Long Term Investment

To expose Arab, Jewish and former Soviet children to other cultures in order to prevent stereotypes forming at a young age. To facilitate cooperation, tolerance and friendship between Arabs, Jews and former Soviet citizens. To develop patterns of non-violent behavior and grant tools to cope with the daily reality in Jaffa, including exposure to aggressive and violent situations. Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk Objectives: Civilian Conflict Management

To provide every child with nutritional meals and other basic needs To assist the children academically To strengthen the children’s self confidence, self-esteem and personal identity To provide emotional care and assistance to each child according to their individual needs, in an open, non-judgmental environment. To encourage families to be involved in their children's lives Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk Objectives: Personal Growth

Achieving the Objectives: Therapy and Emotional Welfare Arab-Jewish Partnership Contact with Families Integration within the normative community Professional Assistance Nutrition Educational Activity Social Activities Enrichment and Creative Activity Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk

Evaluation Process: Children are evaluated before entering the Day Care based on the purpose of their application, family background, academic performance, social skills, emotional skills and health status. 1.Weekly reports for each child are filled out by an instructor of the personal therapeutic intervention program. 2.Weekly staff meetings 3.Volunteer reports 4.Meetings with parents 5.Surveys filled out by the child’s school teacher 6.Home visit report – condition of the residence, family interpersonal relations, parents’ satisfaction with the Day Care 7. Weekly counselor report – child’s progress, conclusions/recommendations on appropriate interventions Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk Individual Evaluations throughout the program include:

Conclusions: The goal of the Day Care Center is to promote tolerance between the diverse mix of Jews, Muslims and Christians who attend, in order to instill the values of civilian conflict management in these children’s lives and ensure the future security of the region. The children are encouraged to work together, to recognize their own strengths and to accept the “Other” so that they may achieve excellence. The Day Care Center has a positive influence on each child’s personal development and we have seen first-hand how this, in turn, has an invaluable effect on the children’s families and the entire society. Day Care Center for Arab & Jewish Children at Risk

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