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Formed: 1970 Established: 1977
Wahat al-Salam ~ Neve Shalom (Oasis of Peace)
Doar Na Shimshon,
Israel
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California, 12925 Riverside Drive, 3rd Floor,
United States
((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 2007, 50+ 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, bi-cultural school, founded in 1984, educates 170 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
Goodwin Drive
Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom, Doar Na Shimshon 99761 Israel
Phone: +972-(0)2-9915621, +972-(0)2-9912222
Email This Community!
The American Friends of Neve Shalom - Wahat al-Salam
12925 Riverside Drive, 3rd Floor
Sherman Oaks, California 91423 United States
Phone: 818-325-8884
Email This Community!
Links:
American Friends of Neve Shalom - Wahat al-Salam
British Friends of Neve Shalom - Wahat al-Salam
Last Updated:7/8/2008
 
Visitors Accepted
 (By prior arrangement)
Visitor Process: Individual visitors should contact the public relations office (info -at- nswas -dot- info ). Group visitors should contact the group visits coordinator (rita -at- nswas -dot- info). Those wishing to stay at the guest house should contact the guest house directly (hotel -at- nswas -dot- org).
Population
Adult Members:
120
Child Members:
120
Non-member Residents:
20
Open to new adults:
Yes
(Contact the village regarding application process)
Open to new children:
Yes
Gender Balance:
50% M 50% F
Open to which gender(s):
All genders welcome
Age Focus:
No Focus
Age Restrictions:
No
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
Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members:
Yes
(No established policy, no gay members as yet))
Shared Spiritual Path:
No
Which Spiritual Path(s):
(Muslims, Christians, Jews, agnostics, atheists)
Educational Style(s):
Private school at the community
(Village school is state funded)
 
 
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