On Tuesday September 15th, Jordan Seeds for Peace CC in partnership with Mercy CC, organized an entertainment program and Ramadan Iftar for 80 orphans from the Theodor Schneller School in southeast Amman, Jordan.  Included in the program were games of volleyball, musical performances, a talent show, and an exchange of gifts.  Along with the 20 delegation leaders, the Cooperation Circles included youth in their program for the first time with 26 teens aged between 15 & 17 joining in the festivities.  Placed on volleyball teams together the youths quickly began forming bonds of friendship.  MENA Regional Coordinator Mamoun Khreisat tells us that "spontaneously, after the matches, orphans and seeds started to mingle and engage in small talk. Then teen spirit noise prevailed over the place; talent performances, laughing, singing…etc. The atmosphere was moving; you can feel positive energy everywhere, you only see smiling faces and hear laughter all around you."

In an era where most Western notions of Islam are defined by media coverage of fundamentalist groups and where radical extremists are presented as the face of the Muslim world, a voice has risen in Palestine carrying the call of moderation.  Wasatia Cooperation Circle is a Palestinian movement dedicated to spreading the values of moderation, centrism, justice, fairness, and balance as reflected in the three Abrahamic religions.  Launched on March 21st, 2007 in concert with the beginning of spring, Wasatia CC draws its name from the Holy Quran, the Cow Sura, Verse 143: “And thus we have created you Ummatan Wasata [centrist nation/moderate nation].”  Calling for a regeneration of the seeds of peace, tolerance and the acceptance of the other, this moderate Muslim movement advocates a peaceful, negotiated settlement for the Arab-Israeli conflict while promoting a tolerant, democratic, peaceful culture in Palestine.