About us

the village

Wahat al-Salam – Neve Shalom (Arabic and Hebrew for Oasis of Peace, WASNS), is a village of Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel who choose to share their lives with one another. We are dedicated to promoting justice, peace and equality in the country and the region. Situated equidistant from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv-Jaffa, the community was established in 1970 by Fr. Bruno Hussar on land of the Latrun Monastery. The village is a model of equality, mutual respect and partnership that challenges existing narratives of racism and discrimination as well as those underlying the continued conflict.

our Educational Institutions

The Association of Educational Institutions, today a registered NGO, began in the 1980s with need to educate village children in two languages and according to village principles. A Youth club followed. At the same time, members realized their vision for the School for Peace – a means of disseminating the idea of dialogue and cooperation between members of different groups. Other institutions have been added over the years as the Doumia Room of Silence became the Pluralistic Spiritiual Center, and an art gallery and garden to honor rescuers were added. The latest – special projects – is already a sort of think tank for envisioning new means of promoting peace. For more on our institutions, see the links below.