Palestinian teens’ Austria trip a cultural respite from strife

http://www.metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20070717-081956-4959r

July 17, 2007

VIENNA — Thirteen Palestinian teenagers from Bethlehem’s Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation recently had the chance to spend a memorable fortnight in Austria, a respite from the rigors of daily life in the occupied territories.

“We wanted to show that Palestine and its conflicts affect us. And we want to raise … awareness for problems outside of our country,” said one of the trip’s main organizers, Bogdan Pammer, an 18-year-old student from the Austrian city of Steyr, in an interview with a local newspaper titled: “A break from the conflict in the Middle East.”

The project, “Building Bridges to Bethlehem,” was put together through the collaborative efforts of the groups Service for Peace‚ Universal Peace Federation, and Women’s Federation, supported by the Palestinian community.

For the six young men and seven young women who visited Austria during the first two weeks of July, it was an altogether novel experience: green countryside, trees, meadows, lakes and, especially, the freedom to move in a country without walls, to roam the streets without fear, exploring wherever they felt like. … [continue]

With Bezriksvosteher Scheed on the “Donau-Turm”

Invited for meal in the Strabag-Tower.

11th of July

Workshop with Pete Hämmerle from IFOR (International Fellowship of Reconciliation).

STEYR. Die aus der Bundesliga freiwillig ausgeschiedenen Steyrer Hexen bekamen noch eine letzte Gelegenheit, als Mannschaft aufzutreten. Eine Delegation von Jugendlichen aus der Partnerstadt Bethlehem, die beim BRG Michaelerplatz zu Gast war, trat gegen die DBK-Mädels an. Obwohl die jugendlichen Gäste trotz des Mitwirkens zweier junger Herren klar unterlegen waren, entwickelte sich eine recht ansprechende Partie, in der die Steyrer Damen vor allem angesichts der Startphase Wehmut aufkommen ließen. Da nahmen sie das Spiel gegen den unbekannten Gegner aus einem Land, in dem Basketball eine ungleich größere Rolle spielt als in Österreich, noch sehr ernst und zeigten großartige Spielzüge. Nach fünf Minuten stand es 15:2 – am Ende 100:39. Bei den Hexen wirkte als Gast auch Profi Stella Staudinger mit, die ihr Können phasenweise aufblitzen ließ.

vom 06.07.2007

Numerous prominent guest speakers were present as the former mayor of Steyr Mr. Herman Leithenmayr, Mr. Peter Haider the President of UPF-Austria, Dr. George Nicola from the Palestinian Community in Vienna, as well as Mag. Harald Gebeshuber, headmaster of the BRG Steyr.

Youth of both cities performed traditional European and Palestinian art. Especially the drama called “Flower and Scarf” concerning with love and war in Palestine moved the audience deeply.

Hostparents and hostsiblings shared their experiences.

Austrian and Palestinian Folklore performed by the youth of Steyr and Bethlehem.

Peter Haider of UPF-Austria sharing experiences of reconciliation between in Palestinians and Israelis in Bethlehem

A local TV station covering the event. In the picture: Coordinator Mag. Maria Pammer
Thanks to the Palestinian Community offering a traditional Palestinian buffet.

Discussion in the youth-center “mirumir” afterwards.

Urlaub vom Nahostkonflikt: “Vielleicht denken wir falsch”

Freundschaften bilden und das Bewusstsein junger Leute für ein friedliches Miteinander schärfen – das war das Ziel eines gestrigen Workshops von Schülern des BRG Steyr und 13 Jugendlichen.

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lunch

enjoying the “Schloßpark”

workshop at the catholic youth centre “Gewölbe”