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An entire generation of Palestinian children has grown to adulthood living under occupation. What do we know about these youth whose lives have been shaped by hardship, violence, loss, razor wire, and rubble? What does it mean that many Palestinian children have encountered Israelis only as armed soldiers, settlers, bulldozer drivers, or helicopter pilots? What are the psychological consequences of living in a society that is struggling to maintain dignity and identity in the face of disposession and demoralization?

Ziad Abu Rish's wide experience with youth from the region includes service as a counselor with Seeds of Peace, a Maine summer camp that brings together Israeli and Palestinian teenagers. At the camp, these youth share stories as a means to understand each others' experiences. Abu Rish has worked in support of young Israeli draft resisters and, also, in the U.S. with Israeli and Palestinian international students. Abu Rish is on staff with the American Friends Service Committee.

A Palestinian, Abu Rish came to the the U.S. in 1997. He holds a degree from Whitman College in Middle East history and politics.

The Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine (CJPIP) is a community-based organization founded to develop and support activities that further the cause of peace and justice in Palestine/Israel. The 2003-04 Community Education and Dialog Series, running September 2003 through April 2004, will bring eight distinguished speakers to Chicago-area audiences, including Rich Meyer, Devorah Brous, Naseer Aruri, Kymberlie Quong Charles, Ziad Abu Rish, Geoffrey Aronson, Sara Roy, and Norman Finkelstein. See all planned events in this series. Series presenters will appear in Oak Park and elsewhere throughout the Chicago and suburban areas. Events are subject to change. Speakers do not necessarily represent the views of CJPIP.

Please support our work! In this ambitious program year, your financial support is critical to our success: your generous donation will enhance our ability to reach a broad public with these events. Donations may be mailed to CJPIP, P.O. Box 3667, Oak Park, IL 60303. If you wish your donation to be tax-deductible please make your check out to The Illinois Justice Foundation/CJPIP. Thank you.