Not Your Enemy
Where Taught Hate is Broken
Our Mission
It is of utmost importance that we engage in a meaningful and transformative conversation! Let’s discuss the topics that we were taught to avoid. In the Arab world, we have been brought up with prejudices and misunderstandings towards other cultures, religions, and countries. Let’s talk about what distinguishes us from one another and what causes division among us. We need to discuss the miscommunications, preconceptions, and stereotyping that plague our society. As young people, we have the power to break the cycle of hatred that has been ingrained in us for generations.
Who We Are!
NOT YOUR ENEMY is an outreach initiative that meets and engages teens in conversations within a safe and empowering environment. By providing preventive care, this website aims to positively contribute to the education and wellness of teenagers in the Middle East.
Originally created to address stereotyping, bias, and prejudice, it also aims to focus on how our values as humans have been impacted, at times negatively, by inherited traditions and culture. Through this preventive care, the website allows audiences to communicate and reconcile their differences by learning to accept them as unique and admirable, rather than dividing and isolating them.
We believe that through effective and meaningful communication among young people in the Middle East, tolerance, acceptance, and peace are attainable. Hopefully, this will lead to a reduction in taught hatred and judgment.
Apply
Fill up our simple form and have your application reviewed by our moderators. Get the chance to connect and chat in a safe and secure online environment.
Join
Join a community and connect with individuals who share the same interests as you. Our platform offers a variety of groups and discussions to choose from.
Meet
Meet and engage in conversations with individuals from all walks of life who share the same interests as you, whether it’s religion, politics, or other topics.
How it Works
The process of participating in our program is simple. After signing up, we will review your basic information, based on your preferences for engaging with people from different religions, cultures, and countries, we will match you with a prospective partner. You will then be connected via email or WhatsApp to arrange a mutually convenient time for a Zoom meeting.
During the meeting, you will have the freedom to discuss any number of topics and gain a better understanding of your partner’s perspective. We believe that this open and respectful dialogue can help to bridge cultural and religious divides and promote greater understanding and empathy among people from different backgrounds.
Topics
Tension or Disputes Arising From Religious Differences
List of various religious and non-religious affiliations:
Jews
Sunnis
Shias
Druze
Yazidis
Alawites
Christians
Atheist
Agnostics
Tension or Disputes Between Nations
List of some of the most well-known land conflicts between different countries:
Israel and Palestine
Israel and Lebanon
Israel and Syria
Saudi Arabia and Iran
Pakistan and Afghanistan
Turkey and Syria
Algeria and Morocco
Turkey and Cyprus
Iraq and Iran
If there are any other topics that you believe are important and were not included in the lists, please feel free to contact us.
Apply
Rules of Dialogue
To foster an environment of respect and productivity in discussions, it is essential for participants to adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Practice Active Listening: Engage in attentive listening, allowing others to express their thoughts without interruption. Wait for your turn to speak, demonstrating patience and respect for the speaker.
2. Employ Clear and Concise Language: Choose your words thoughtfully, using language that is clear, respectful, and free of offensive or personal attacks. Aim for a constructive tone that encourages open dialogue.
3. Seek Understanding: Actively strive to understand the perspectives of others. If something is unclear, ask clarifying questions to ensure accurate comprehension before formulating a response.
4. Stay Focused: Maintain a discussion that remains on topic, avoiding tangents or unrelated issues. This ensures that the conversation stays relevant and productive for all participants.
5. Embrace Open-Mindedness: Approach the discussion with an open mind and be willing to consider alternative viewpoints. If compelling arguments are presented, be open to changing your own perspective in light of new information or insights.
By adhering to these improved guidelines, participants can engage in dialogue that encourages respectful communication, deep understanding, and the potential for meaningful progress.