Wahat al-Salam ~ Neve Shalom (Oasis of Peace)

Formed: 1970 Established: 1977

This page last updated:4/10/2012

Doar Na Shimshon,

Israel

Sherman Oaks, California,

United States

(12925 Riverside Drive, 3rd Floor (American Friends of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam))

Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom (pronounced wahat as-salaam/nevey shalom) is a cooperative village of Jews and Palestinian Arabs of Israeli citizenship. Situated equidistant from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom was founded in 1972 on 100 acres of land leased from the adjacent Latrun Monastery. The first families came to live in the village in 1977. By 2010, 60 families had settled there. Eventually, the population is expected to reach 140 families.

The members of Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom are demonstrating the possibility of coexistence between Jews and Palestinians by developing a community based on mutual acceptance, respect, and cooperation. Democratically governed and owned by its members, the community is not affiliated with any political party or movement.

Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom gives practical expression to its vision through its various branches:

• The bilingual, bicultural school, founded in 1984, educates more than 250 children from the area, and works to establish this form of education as a viable model.

• The School for Peace, founded in 1979, conducts courses and seminars for Arab and Jewish youth and adults in Israel and from the Palestinian Authority.

• “Doumia-Sakinah,” the Pluralistic Spiritual Center, provides a framework for exploring religious, cultural, and spiritual resources that may be drawn upon in working and educating for peace.

• A hotel, with dining facilities and conference halls, offers comfortable accommodation and a variety of educational programs.

Website: http://nswas.org/

Contact:

Communications & Development Office
Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom, Doar Na Shimshon 99761 Israel
Phone: +972-(0)2-9915621, +972-(0)2-9912222

The American Friends of Neve Shalom - Wahat al-Salam
12925 Riverside Drive, 3rd Floor
Sherman Oaks, California 91423 United States
Phone: 818-325-8884

Links:

American Friends of Neve Shalom - Wahat al-Salam

British Friends of Neve Shalom - Wahat al-Salam

International Telephone Info

View Map of Locations
for this Community

10-minute presentation of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam

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This page last updated:4/10/2012

Visitors Accepted

(By prior arrangement)

Visitor Process: Individual visitors should contact the public relations office (info@nswas.info ). Group visitors should contact the group visits coordinator (rita@nswas.info). Those wishing to stay at the guest house should contact the guest house directly (hotel@nswas. org).

Statement of Housing Non-discrimination:

Our community does not discriminate in regards to housing based on race/color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, family status (i.e. having children, not having children, or being pregnant), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, source of income, age, creed, personal appearance, political affiliation, HIV infection, military/veteran status, unfavorable military discharge, gender identity or expression, receiving public assistance, or being the victim of domestic abuse.

Our community does not provide land or housing and is therefore not subject to fair housing laws.

Population Members(adults and children): 240 Non-member Residents: 20 Open to new members: Yes (Contact the village regarding application process)	Government Decision Making: By majority rule (Elected secretariat + general assembly for major decisions) Identified Leader: No Leadership Core Group: Yes (Elected secretariat)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Labor Contribution: Join Fee: Yes (Newcomers must lease land and build a home) Regular Fees: Yes (Municipal taxes and fees, school tuition fees)
Land and Buildings Rural Area: 50 acres (20.2 hectares) Land Owned By: The community Number of Residences: 55 Cohousing: No	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: none Share Community Meals: Rarely Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual Dietary Practice: Omnivorous Alcohol Use: Used occasionally Tobacco Use: Used Occasionally	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: No Which Spiritual Traditions(s): (Muslims, Christians, Jews, agnostics, atheists) Educational Style(s): Private school at the community (Village school is state funded)

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Become an Editor Current editor(s): howardshippin, AFNSWAS

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