The Borromean Sisters in Jerusalem sow the seeds of peace

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.