News 01/09/2002

Israeli – Palestinian youth forum for peace held in Malta

A group of Israeli and Palestinian youths were secretly hosted in Malta while they met to discuss several burning issues that are of great concern to their to countries. The whole affair was kept secret and details of the meeting were only released several days after the youths had left for home. This locally held event was inspired by the Palestinian – Israeli youth forum that was held in Oslo last May.

The forum was held under the auspices of the Peres Center for peace at the Fortina Hotel. The youths met amid tight security and secrecy. Amongst them was a youth who saw his father being killed in front of him by three men. The youths met with the President of the Republic, Professor Guido De Marco. During the meeting with De Marco, the youths narrated what they had been through. "It was not intended to give the event publicity whilst it was taking place for obvious reasons, but it was yet another effort in getting young Israeis and Palestinians together, in a peace process which has yet to materialise," Professor De Marco said.

A special workshop at sea was organised for them on a luzzu between Malta and Comino, specially provided by Captain Morgan. Among the participants were Palestinians, Palestinians with Israeli citizenship and Israelis.