Israel Exchange

The Multicultural Dance Troupe of the City of Jerusalem, led by choreographer Micha Nes, has proposed an exchange program between our two youth performing arts groups. In February, some 15 members of WAIT will travel to Israel, where we will meet and train the diverse members of their group in our performance methods, and will be trained by them as well. We are scheduled to do joint performances throughout Israel over a 2 week period from Feb. 13 to the 27 th. Then, in early July, some 24 of their troupe members will come to Washington, D.C. to perform together here. Congressman Steny Hoyer has already agreed to host an event in Congress, and the IMF cultural center has also expressed a desire to have us perform, and we have possibilities of performing on college campuses in the area. We will also bring the group to New York, to perform at venues in the city, and to visit Ground Zero, the United Nations, the Statue of Liberty, and other places of interest.

Why is this significant? Both WAIT and the Multicultural Dance troupe use the arts to create positive solutions to serious human problems. Youth are combating AIDS and violence through the media of dance, music and other performing arts. They are not just talking about peace and healing, they are creating the goals they seek, with their own choices.

Also, both groups deliberately include those of diverse backgrounds, but who share a common commitment to positive, loving and honorable action. The Multicultural Dance Troupe includes Israeli, Palestinian, Ethiopian and Russian émigré youth, and it has steadfastly clung to this mix, as a way to increase understanding among those most affected by the conflicts.

We want American and Israeli audiences to witness the power of youth taking positive action, across national borders. To do this, we need your help. The costs of this exchange are basic: airfare, food and transportation. Lodging will be provided by the host families or organizations in each country. To go to Israel will probably be a minimum of $1,200 per person, for a group of 15 youth, or approximately $18,000 for the entire trip. To bring the group of 24 dancers here, we can probably take care of them for about $600 per person for the 2 weeks, or about $14,400 in total, plus another $15,000 for the travel parts of the trip.

Won’t you help? Your donation—no matter how large or small—can truly help bring hope and new skills to young people in the besieged communities here and there. For more information on the work of WAIT, and on this exciting journey for peace, please go to our website: www.waitteam.org.

Your donations can be written to Washington AIDS International Foundation, and are fully tax-deductible; WAIF is a 501-C-3 nonprofit educational foundation. We will naturally furnish a letter of acknowledgement for all donors for tax purposes, and we will be happy to post your name, or that of someone you wish to be honored, on our literature or correspondence, especially with the officials in both governments. Be sure to earmark your donations for “Israel Exchange/WAIT.” If you would like to make your donation electronically, please call us for details.

Thank you!