The growing tension between Jews and Arabs in Israel has set back years of attempts to bring both sides closer and create a more meaningful and lasting co-existence. This tension increases hostility and emphasizes the ignorance that still exists between these two communities and the subsequent lack of respect and openness towards each other's cultures. Moreover, an additional problem we have found is that most Arab children are not even familiar with classical Arab music.

Therefore, in cooperation with the Jerusalem Music Academy and the Ministry of Education, the Citizens' Accord Forum initiated a project in which, over the past two years, Jewish and Arab students and the wider community have been taking part in classical Arabic music master-classes, concerts, seminars and summer camps.
Funded by the Beracha Foundation, the objective behind this project has been to promote classical Arab music and culture in Israel and to create long-lasting relationships between Arab and Jewish musicians and audiences.

A small ensemble of adult musicians from the Jerusalem Music Academy was established, comprising two Jews and two Arabs, a cello, darbuka and two ouds. They performed a small show of classical Arab pieces with an explanation of the roots of the music, the composers, instruments, their individual backgrounds and why they chose to play this kind of music. In all, they performed six concerts across the country.

At these concerts, the Citizens' Accord Forum, through its volunteers and activists, promoted a five-day summer camp for young gifted musicians, comprising master-classes, private lessons, ensembles and beach sports. This was open to all talented Arab and Jewish musicians between the ages of 15 and 17 who could play one of the following instruments: oud, violin, darbuka, wind instruments, organ and kanoun, and who specialized or wanted to specialize in classical Arab music.

Out of 300 applicants, 30 were finally chosen for the summer camp, which took place in July 2003. Master-classes were led by a number of musicians, including Teisir Elias (Oud artist and Head of Classical Arab Music at the Jerusalem Music Academy) and Eyal Sela (International musician, teacher of wind instruments).
The Citizens' Accord Forum has continued to work with these teenagers, who meet once a month in Haifa for rehearsals. On 1 st and 2 nd April 2004, a two-day music seminar was conducted at Beit Berl.

 
This initiative was piloted in its first year (2003-2004) thanks to the generous support of the Beracha Foundation. For the future continuation of this initiative, we are now seeking partners interested in deepening and widening the mutual basis of shared cultural roots, through music.

1st & 2nd April 2004
 
2-day Classical Arab Music Seminar
For young Jewish and Arab musicians
Beit Berl

July 2003
 
Classical Arab Music Summer Camp
For 15-17 year old musicians

12th August 2002
 
Arab Music Day
Beit HaUmaniot, Jezreel Valley