The Common Ground Mission has been especially designed
for teens in 10th and 11th grade to promote mutual respect and
understanding. In Israel, the students will develop insights into how to
approach seemingly unsolvable problems as they learn
about the history and current practices of their respective faiths.
Christian, Jewish, and Muslim participants will strengthen their own
individual and community identities.
During the course of the program, participants will be afforded
opportunities to learn about the three monotheistic religions -
Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
Israel is the central meeting place or "Common Ground
Mission"
of the three monotheistic religions. Our challenge is to
channel the potential for the powerful dialogue of these faiths
as they search for meaning to better the world in which we live.
As participants tour Israel's ancient and modern sites, they
will meet community, religious and political leaders
representing the many facets of Israeli society today.
Common Ground Mission taps into the sources of
commonality and understanding, promoting mutual respect and
cooperation amongst people of differing faiths. The goals of
the program are:
Strengthen and enhance individual and community
identities while deepening understanding of others
Create ambassadors of tolerance, with the necessary
leadership skills to promote interfaith dialogue and
activities in their home communities
Provide students with the ability to represent Israel
through an expanded knowledge of the issues facing the
country today
Experience the Israel of today, on a vibrant and
exciting peer tour led by exceptional educators, clergy and
guides.
Helping to end prejudice and stereotyping by celebrating
diversity
The inaugural Common Ground Mission program will take
place during December 2007.
Trip Dates December 26 January
6, 2008.
" For all those who would like to sponsor one student whose life experience, understanding and respect for others will be forever enhanced."
- Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell
The goals of the program are:
Learn about the history, founding, basic beliefs and texts of Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
Strengthen and enhance individual and community identities while deepening respect and understanding of others.
Create ambassadors of tolerance, with the necessary leadership skills to promote interfaith dialogue and activities in their home communities.
Developing a sense of the multi-religious fabric that defines Israel.
Provide students with the ability to represent Israel through an expanded knowledge of the issues facing the country today.
Experience the Israel of today, on a vibrant and exciting peer tour led by exceptional educators, clergy and guides.
Helping to end prejudice and stereotyping by celebrating diversity.
