I've been involved with Artsbridge as a supporter and volunteer pretty much since the beginning and I have found the organization to be a remarkable group of people doing much needed work in the area of conflict resolution. This is a hard working group doing very important work in an area that a lot of people don't want to go near.
This group deserves as much support as possible.
Artsbridge is a multi-faceted program that teaches Israeli and Palestinian youth skills in communication and conflict resolution through art, creative vision, dialogue and leadership training. Following a unique, three-week intensive, Artsbridge students return to their region and take on the responsibility of mentoring younger students in community based programs. The students of Artsbridge make a conscious decision to engage in a process that will make a lasting difference in their own lives and in their communities. They overcome criticism from friends and family and show courage that those around them have been unwilling to show. After Artsbridge, fear, hatred and mistrust no longer form the basis of their personal narrative. Instead, these remarkable students are infused with a new sense of the “other”, and are empowered to play their part in shaping a more peaceful future. Artsbridge is “grass roots”. Recognized both here and in the region, this program is already garnering parental and institutional trust. Artsbridge relies on the generous contributions of donors. All of these donations go to support the running of the program and none of this support is used for salaries of the year round staff who are all volunteers. This is critical support which will show the students of Artsbridge that there are people cheering for their success; people who share with them the same hopes and aspirations to bring more trust and understanding to a region that desperately needs our help.
I made a large donation to Artsbridge several years ago with the written agreement that the 10,000 dollars be used to create a traveling art show in my late son's memory. The traveling art show in his name was never done and the when I repeatedly asked the director, Debbie Nathan to account for the money, her responses and reactions were unsatisfactory. I strongly advise potential donors to seriously consider my negative experience before they donate to this non profit organization.
Review from Guidestar