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The Borromean Sisters in Jerusalem sow the seeds of peace
Since 1989, the Sisters of Mercy of St. Charles Borromeo in Jerusalem have been running a kindergarten where children from Muslim and Christian families learn and play together. Their example is a testament to the fact that it is possible to be “artisans of peace” at the very epicenter of conflict.
By Sr. Elena Isachenko SMCB
Caring for children and youth has been an essential part of the Sisters’ ministry since the very beginning of their mission in Jerusalem. For nearly forty years, the sisters have been caring for 140 Palestinian children aged 3 to 6. Most of them come from East Jerusalem and the Old City and practice Islam.
Roughly one-fifth of the children are Christians of various denominations. The kindergarten’s educational program includes elements that introduce children to the cultures of different nationalities and religions.
The sisters strive to raise the children in a spirit of respect not only for their own traditions but also for those of their neighbors. In December, the children love learning Christmas carols in Arabic, English, and German, and during Ramadan, they enjoy making lanterns. The hostilities that erupted in the Middle East in 2023 struck a blow to this fragile peace, for war leaves its mark, first and foremost, on children.
In this challenging environment, Sisters provide a safe, nurturing space where children can heal, learn, and simply be children, offering loving care, stability, creative activities, and emotional support that help restore joy, strengthen resilience, and nurture hope for a peaceful future.
By the age of 5 or 6, children form the basic neural pathways responsible for the image of “the other.” If a child at this age sees a Muslim or a Christian not as an enemy from the television, but as a sandbox neighbor with whom they share toys, it becomes much harder for hatred to slip into their heart.
The Sisters’ kindergarten employs staff and volunteers of various nationalities and faith. Photo: SMCB Archive
Fear and Euphoria
“When schools and kindergartens in Israel were allowed to reopen two weeks after the start of the armed conflict,” says Sr. Gabriela Zinkl SMCB, “we did so too, though with mixed feelings: fear and euphoria. Fear, because we could not predict how our Israeli neighbors would react to our children from Arab families. Euphoria, because immediately after the reopening was announced, the parents reacted positively, and children came pouring in from day one. For many, our decision was an important sign of a return to normal life. There was someone who accepted them and did not judge.”
The Sisters were forced to let go of their former Arab security guards, as they were unsure if this would be perceived by their Jewish neighbors as a provocation.
Instead, they began taking turns standing watch at the entrance of the kindergarten themselves, wearing their religious habits and unarmed. “Contrary to our fears,” Sr. Gabriela continues, “the response was overwhelming. Our Israeli neighbors were proud of us and moved to tears to finally hear children singing and laughing again.”
The study of cultural traditions is the foundation of the educational program, which teaches mutual understanding and respect. Photo: SMCB Archive
“I am so happy to go to kindergarten again! You know, we have a war at home!”
In the kindergarten, the Sisters strive to maintain the usual daily routine, continuing the intercultural and interreligious dialogue among those in their care. “October 7, 2023, was a terrible shock,” says Sr. Daniela Gabor SMCB, Superior of the Sisters’ community in Jerusalem.
“All of a sudden, the trust and confidence that existed before were shattered to pieces. Given this, it seemed even more important to create oases of trust where one could find refuge in this universal turmoil.” How vital this kindergarten has become as an “oasis of peace” for the children of Jerusalem is proven by the words of one little boy: “I am so happy to go to kindergarten again! You know, we have a war at home!”
The Borromean Sisters live in Jerusalem as an international community. Among them are German, Romanian, and Arab sisters. Their very presence on this land becomes an eloquent testament.
“For us, it is natural to live together without giving importance to our backgrounds,” says Sr. Daniela. “We are all united by a common foundation – Christian values. The diversity of cultures enriches us. By setting an example in our daily lives filled with friendship and respect, we hope to inspire those we interact with to realize that peaceful coexistence is possible wherever people of different nationalities meet and live.”
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