As the first orthodox Jewish organizational entity to theologically and religiously dialogue with Christians, The Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding & Cooperation in Efrat, Israel has seen a rapid development of real fellowship between the two faiths. Nothing short of a divine moment is navigating the success of a center that just opened its doors in January of 2008. It was no easy task changing the status quo within our denominational movement to begin a long overdue conversation between Jews and Christians. The symbol of the cross has always been a challenge to Judaism for it conjures up images of contempt toward the Jewish people. Christianity, in the past, has been a religion that was not only unkind, but has conducted evil to my own people.

Founded in 2001, PeacePlayers International Middle East  uses the game of basketball to educate and unite Arab and Jewish children between the ages of 10-16 and they base their work on the simple yet powerful premise that "children who play together, can learn to live together."  The program has worked with over 2.400 children and uses basketball as a tool to unite youth in divided communities, to teach life lessons in sport and to develop leaders who will advocate peaceful coexistence with their friends and neighborhs. In addition to playing basketball on integrated teams, Arab and Jewish youth participate in dialogue, life skills sessions and leadership development. Christian and other organizations now have the opportunity to include an exciting peace-focued program as part of a tour to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

With a site visit to one of PPI - ME's programs, clients will come away with an intimate look into co-existence. Groups can visit teams in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Abu Gosh, and Jaffa. PPI - ME teams are compri