Sharing Our Homeland: Palestinian and Jewish Children at Summer Peace Camp

A photo-essay focusing on two children living in Israel--one Palestinian and one Jewish--who, in spite of their differences and the longstanding conflicts in the region, learn to play and share ideas together at summer camp.

Summer is here, and Alya, an Israeli Palestinian girl, and Yuval, an Israeli Jewish boy, are off to Peace Camp. They are excited, but their excitement is mixed with apprehension. The area in which they live has been fought over by Palestinians and Jews for a hundred years. What will campers from the "other side" be like? the children wonder.

At camp, Alya, Yuval, and the other campers enjoy two weeks of fun in close contact with one another. They participate in sports, create arts and crafts projects, and go on field trips. The children begin to understand what their homeland means to both sides. They learn not to be afraid and to respect one another.

With engaging text and captivating photographs, Sharing Our Homeland gives an inside view of how one summer camp is working to create a foundation for peace. Readers will gain insight into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and find a timely message of understanding and hope not often heard from this part of the world.

Trish Marx has written several books for children. Marx specializes in nonfiction, especially current events and environmental issues--interests that stem from her background in teaching and journalism. Marx lives in New York City.

Cindy Karp has had a distinguished career as a photojournalist. She worked in Latin America for a decade as a photographer for TIME, and has traveled the world covering wars, political figures, and breaking news stories. She now works freelance in a wide variety of venues. Karp lives in Miami, Florida.