NYC Charity Event Plants “Seeds of Peace” for Children of Conflict Nations

One thousand decked out New Yorkers of all backgrounds – Israeli, Arab, Pakistani, Indian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and otherwise – gathered at M2 Ultralounge in New York for the annual Peace Market benefit for Seeds of Peace. Seeds of Peace is a nonprofit organization that funds camps on neutral ground for children from conflict nations (most notably Israel and Palestine, but more recently, Pakistan and India) so that they can learn about leadership, conflict resolution, and about each other.

Wednesday’s Peace Market event raised funds to continue these programs so that the youth, or “seeds,” can continue making strides in the name of mutual understanding, cooperation, and yes, peace. The night featured numerous delights and surprises, detailed below, but most moving of all to me was that, in the tastefully-dimmed main hall, amongst the chattering guests and enthusiastic organizers, you couldn’t see the difference between any group of people. Everyone mingled, all blended, and none left without a smile…and a hummus-filled belly.

Triumphant Seeds

Three former campers or “seeds” spoke at the event about their experiences with Seeds of Peace. Their insights were as relevant as they were hopeful: that such young people (teenagers) could be so self-starting, and so readily involved in some of the most thorny issues of our age is refreshing, invigorating, and, oddly, somewhat shaming on those of us who beyond a donation here or there have done little to advance the peace efforts.

The 2010 Young Peacemaker Award went to Mr. Ozi Amanat and Mrs. Asema Ali Ahmed “for their outstanding philanthropic work supporting youth leadership empowerment programs in South Asia and throughout the world.” With the initiative and efforts of Seeds of Peace and the enormous support it so easily has won, perhaps there is evidence that peace is not just necessary or possible, but: inevitable.

A Musical Redemption

The event itself was a coming together of things that all people love, a reflection of the fact that we are more alike than we are different. Appearing at the Peace Market event in this spirit were John Forte of The Fugees, who performed an unassuming acoustic solo set; followed by the Pakistani musician Salman Ahmad (see elan’s article on Salman’s recent book launch and performance), who was accompanied by an Indian tabla player; and finally, the culmination of the musical portion: John Forte and Salman Ahmad performing Bob Marley’s ”Redemption Song.” It was a moving and beautiful performance that captured the spirit of the cause.

Also in the realm of “things we all love,” there was plenty of spectacle, a feast for the eyes, ears, and stomach. Three belly dancers performed at the top of the evening; each corner of the main room featured an installation of henna tattoos, a caricaturist, a candy rollaway from Dylan’s Candy Bar, and a “Wishing Tree” artist’s installation where guests hung their wishes for the future on paper leaves (such as the microcosmic: “I wish for people to know more, for people to see more, for people to understand ‘the other’”).

Among the night’s many delights (Art Show, Raffle, Live Auction, DJ-ed dance hour, and Gift Bags) the food selection included delectable middle eastern fare and featured a friendly “Hummus-off” competition between four different vendors.

We will be sure to follow Seeds of Peace’s continued progress towards nurturing understand, respect, and cooperation in the places where these qualities are most needed – the hearts and minds of our youth.