Response to WEDO and questions for Mariam Said

Hello Mam,

What a wonderful project the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra project seems to be.  I first watched the trailer of the movie and, besides being excited to see the entire movie; I was touched by the message by some of the youth within the movie clip; such sincerity and touching words for hope.  Your husband's quote from the clip: "...the question of identity has to be posed in terms of the future...that is to say, how do you deal with other identities who also feel they have a place in that very place..." seems to be the very question posed in our class this semester.  We have read Karen Armstrong's Book (Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths) to try to understand a little better the various identities within Jerusalem and their history within the city.  Although these identities are critical to where Jerusalem has come from, these many identities feel they are a part of this very place...how can we move forward in understanding and peace without carrying the question of identity into the future?  His words ring so true. 

This beautiful music is testimony that we can remain individual yet learn from each other, working together for a common cause.  I could see the passion in the tremendous conducting of Daniel Barenboim and the intensity of the musicians to bring soul touching life to their music.  WEDO is witness to Mr. Barenboim's vision of "a productive and harmonious Arab-Israeli co-existence," reflected in the performance of the youth and offering hope for a peaceful tomorrow.

Thank you so much for your work in this project and for your time to speak with us.  I have a couple of questions to ask you, with your permission.  Do you remember the first time you heard of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra project idea and what was your reaction? At what point did you begin working with the project and what differences do you notice from that point until today within the project?

Thank you again most sincerely,

Barbara McGinness