THIS was just sent to me and I haven’t heard anything about it yet. Sounds like a good cause:

On June 18th 2009 a group of fifteen young Israelis and Palestinians will come together in Tel Aviv to show that music can overcome conflict by creating a unique track and video.

The project is a collaboration between peace organisation Windows for Peace and pioneering London-based music college Point Blank. Robert Cowan, founder of Point Blank, is a frequent visitor to the Middle East; four years ago he formulated an idea for using the Point Blank training system to engage young people from Israel and Palestine and bring them together through music and film-making. He says: “It’s been a long and bumpy road but finally the dream is about to happen.”

The group will record an original track and make an accompanying music video to explore issues relevant to their lives and experiences. They will learn new skills, enabling them to apply their talent and imagination to bring about peaceful change through the power of music.

More than just working together on a creative project, the group will be living, eating and sharing every moment of their lives for a two-week period. The resulting music video will be disseminated via TV and web to reach a worldwide public, showing young people in the region that communication with the ‘enemy’ is not only possible, but desirable and fruitful.

Music Production tutor Mohammed Nazam, born in Pakistan, and the founder of London-based multi-faith band Berakah, says:

“It’s important that during challenging times like these the people and organisations who are working for peace step up a gear and show the world that there are ways of increasing understanding and crossing religious, national and cultural divides. The work that Windows for Peace are doing with Israelis and Palestinians is incredibly important and I am touched and honoured to have been asked by Rob and Point Blank to be involved in this initiative; I absolutely believe that no matter what, hatred and war are truly not viable options.”

Rob is thrilled to see his vision finally come to life: “It’s taken a long time to get to this point, but I am very excited that this summer young Israelis and Palestinians will be working together on this creative project. I can’t wait to see the results!”

At a time when it is more important than ever for both sides in the Middle East conflict to understand each other, it is the hope of Point Blank and Windows that this project will sow the seeds of reconciliation.