Visiting from conflict zones, young ‘Friends’ reach out

A long and difficult struggle divides their homeland. But they are peace builders.

“Although there are a lot of differences between us, we can be together and have fun together,’’ Dekel said.

“We have a dream like all of you,’’ Woroud said to a group of about 50 business leaders. “Our dream is to achieve peace in our state, and in the whole world.’’

The new friends are among 10 teenagers from Israel who visited the region last month as part of Friends Forever, a youth peace program founded 25 years ago by Bob Raiche of Danvers.

In 1986, Raiche was executive director of the Seacoast Family YMCA in Portsmouth, N.H., when a letter arrived from the Carrickfergus YMCA in Northern Ireland.

The director there wanted to send 10 Protestant and Catholic boys to the United States for two weeks, to help them socialize in a place free from conflict.

Raiche offered to host the group in Portsmouth.

“He wanted to see if he could do something to change their lives,’’ said Raiche, 82, who was the director of the Danvers Community YMCA before serving in Portsmouth. “We were happy to help.’’

The first trip - which included a meet-and-greet with then Vice President George H.W. Bush at Pease Air Force Base - launched a journey that has since opened hearts and minds in troubled lands.

“Even where there is conflict, people can get along and learn from one another,’’ said Stephen Martineau, executive director of Friends Forever. “We strongly believe this.’’

A YMCA in Jerusalem approached the organization about starting a trip for Arabs and Jews in 1998. Other trips were organized in Florida, New York, and Rhode Island, often with the support of a local Rotary club, still a key source of financial and community support.

Friends Forever branched out from the YMCA, establishing itself as a private nonprofit, based in Portsmouth, in 1997. Rotary clubs in Massachusetts and New Hampshire are key backers, helping to organize group dinners and outings.

A golf tournament organized by Danvers businesses raised about $15,000 for the organization last month. It costs about $2,500 per student to attend the program.