Interview with Dr. Sis Levin
May 14th, 2007
Q1. How did you get started as a Peace Maker?
Dr. Levin: I was a Seminarian headed for the Episcopal priesthood at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut. My Jewish husband Jerry, CNN Bureau Chief for the Middle East, was kidnapped and held hostage for one year by Hezbollah. With the help of a brilliant Quaker, we were able to nonviolently negotiate for his release. I went back to school (Columbia Univ) and did a PhD in Education for Peace focused on saving our children from the epidemic of violence everywhere.
Q2. Tell us about your peace making efforts in Bethlehem?
Dr. Levin: I work entirely in the schools training teachers the unique methods of infusing Nonviolence into their curricula. Our Model School group ( K-University) chose to call themselves "Peacebuilders". They are visited and observed by scholars from all over the world. They have been compared (on videotape) to the best schools there and reported as far surpassing all in attitude, hopefulness and creative planning for a Peaceful future.
Q3. Why have your focused your attention on the children and not the adults? Isn’t' it the Adults who are doing all the fighting?
Dr. Levin: Yes but/and they are teaching this failed business to their children. Pedagogical experts have declared that the only way out of this misguided heritage is through Systemic (K-University), comprehensive (using all of the Best Practices materials) specialized professional work in the schools. Research has discovered and proven that Peers have more influence on each other (guided by a trained classroom teacher) than even the parents or home situation. Children choose Peacebuilding over Violence when they are given this chance and encouragement. They are our best hope to change the next generation. It works and they know it.
Q4. Isn't it true that Islam teaches violence and intolerance?
Dr. Levin: No. There is absolute rebuttal to this misinformation available. (Come and see our schools). There have been several International Committees who came to Palestine and examined the texts and practices of this bad propaganda and refuted it saying "After all, Palestine Schools are under the control of this Illegal Military Occupation. This includes all curricula and text books." Studies of the Koran (like the Bible) can be read and interpreted to say anything. The fact is the Prophet Mohammed wrote and preached forgiveness. See "The Role of Forgiveness (Islamic, Judeo and Christian) in Conflict Resolution" by Levin at Columbia University.
Q5. What can Americans do to bring peace to the middle east?
Stop sending billions of dollars to Israel until she declares an end to this illegal, brutal, totally counterproductive occupation which is destroying not only the children on both sides but also the souls of the perpetrators (by their own admission). And I am quoting both Israelis and Palestinians. (Also Americans who see us losing our children from Columbine to Va. Tech). Most Americans have no idea what is going on and how their ignorance contributes to a conflict that is not only destroying children "over there" but here at home. We need to face the facts before it's too late.
Click here for a biographical sketch of Dr. Levin.
Click here to read about some of her work.