A tale about personal relationships between kibbutz Metzer and Maiser village. Over 50 years ago, the founders of kibbutz Metzer, a group of young Argentinian pioneers arrived on the "Shomron" hills, near the "green line"-the cease fire line between Israel and Jordan. They settled by the village of Maiser that was founded about a hundred years earlier.

The two communities were different in almost every aspect of life; on the one hand the villagers were traditional muslims, and on the other the kibbutz members were a group of ideologist social-zionists that had abandoned their former life in Argentina in order to found a cooperative commune. In spite of the differences of tradition, religion, language, culture and customs- both sides understood quickly that the common ground was greater than the diversity. This understanding and decision to receive each other as people with familys. They then made the effort to learn the others language and motivation and not as a nationality stereotype. They found that the desire to promote their small poor communities and to ensure their children a better future was a common bond on both sides. A good supporting and mutual relationship was soon established.

Both communities struggled with the challenge of providing with the conditions of the land that was very lacking in water and soil in a remote area that had very little infrastructure. The fact that the land was never conquered by the army but absorbed by Israel in a diplomatic settlement, the settlers were spared from having to evacuate or be expelled and that became a great positive advantage. The people of the kibbutz were members of the "HaShomer HaTzair" youth movement that fostered an equalitarian life style, were a person whom ever he may be is considered equal and therefore called for cooperation and brotherliness among all. In Argentina they were trained as fishermen, thinking the kibbutz would be established by the sea… the knowledge was of no use in the "Shomron" hills… With the best of intentions the people of Maiser helped them to establish agriculture with their great knowledge. The years went by and Metzer and Maiser became a symbol and model of how Jews and Arabs can live side by side in peace and respect. With the help of each other they overcame the difficult times, governmental decisions and the day to day problems.

In November of 2002 the co-existence was put to its biggest test when a Palestinian terrorist carried out a cruel merciless act on kibbutz Metzer. The people of Metzer and Maiser didn’t let this dreadful event change their co-existing life style, more over they grew stronger in their beliefs that only true and honest co-existing as proven for over 50 years is the way to be. They grew stronger in the belief that the only solution for the on going bloodshed that is ruining lives is their belief in the co-existing that people implement day by day- one day at a time!

On this unique visit to Metzer and Maiser our guest will be introduced to the co-existing communities whose relationship are based on patience, acceptance, respect of each other, mutual help and putting people first. We will hear the story of each settlement and the connection between them. We will be visiting "Taanug hai" on kibbutz Metzer (a nature study center), we will walk around the kibbutz and get to observe the lifestyle and system of the kibbutz and how a social idea from 50 years ago is being implemented in our days. We will also visit the memorial site for the people murdered in the terror attack, also we will drive to a breathtaking viewing point over looking the "green line" and the security fence there we will discuss the gaps between the landscape and the path of the fence. In the end we will visit Meiser and observe their traditional life style and will be hosted by a family for a conversation and coffee.