A Parallel Reality in Israel and Palestine

In a remarkable display of partnership and determination, the Project Rozana Specialist Nursing Hub implemented a transformative workshop at the Dead Sea. From May 1-4, nurses from eight Israeli and Palestinian hospitals participated in a ‘Training of Trainers’ intensive four-day journey on the methodology of ‘Positive Peace’.

The training was led by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), a global think tank headquartered in Sydney, Australia. IEP studies the relationship between peace, business, and prosperity, and seeks to promote understanding of the cultural, economic, and political factors that drive peacefulness.

“The health work environment can be tense especially when peoples’ lives are on the line. It was inspiring to witness how the methodology can improve communication and relationships among colleagues and patients,” expressed a nurse participant from Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem.

The project seeks to foster collaborative peacebuilding projects that promote social cohesion, harmonious relations, and a shared understanding of others’ experiences. “Despite our diverse hospital backgrounds, the workshop fostered a sense of unity and provided a safe space for learning and sharing experiences”, shared a nurse participant from Al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron.

The training, MOUs and a joint WhatsApp group have been pivotal to the personal and professional relationships being developed between the hospitals and nurses. “As simple as it may sound, the joint WhatsApp group has been instrumental in fostering continued communication and exchange of experiences among the participants,” emphasized Maya Arnon, the Program Director.

The Positive Peace workshop at the Dead Sea is a testament to the commitment of Project Rozana, the hospital partners and the IEP in promoting positive change in healthcare. By equipping nurses with the tools and knowledge to enhance communication and build relationships, the workshop has taken a significant step towards achieving positive peace within healthcare settings. The workshop is just the start of a two-year project that engages 480 Palestinian and Israeli nurses to develop their skills and create new partnerships.

Although we acknowledge the heightened level of violence, we firmly reject the notion that it reflects the desires of the majority of both populations, as often portrayed by the media. The Nursing Hub’s training on Positive Peace serves as an inspiring example among numerous impactful initiatives striving to foster a more promising and improved reality.

This article was reposted with permission from Project Rozana.

Learn more about Positive Peace here.